tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35506501111168493192024-03-13T03:26:38.573-07:00Sewing Down UnderAbout my sewing adventures as a beginner sewer with an ever increasing sewing stash.Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-45207726424643361792016-12-19T01:14:00.000-08:002016-12-19T01:14:00.076-08:00Overworked wrap dress<br />
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Do you ever start something, finish it then decide it doesn't quite work? This was one of those dresses. Its based on Butterick B5420, which I've made before. I added extra ease from my orignal dress and lengthened the top to become dress length. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the dress would look like if it was fitted properly (unfortunately its just me holding it pulled tight in the back).</td></tr>
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I redid the neckline twice as it was way too loose, even with neck tape. I finally did a neckline that fitted, but it involved taking two inches of either end of hte wrap neckline, which totally distorted the grainlines. I decided in the end to pass on the dress as a source of new fabric, (rather than a wearable item) to someone who alreay had this fabric. Which is a bit of a cop out in terms of decluttering, but hopefully the fabric is of use even if not as a dress!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the dress actually looked like. Note the change in slope..<br /></td></tr>
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Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-34812491880579043202016-02-10T23:58:00.000-08:002016-02-10T23:58:06.536-08:00Pink dressI made an updated version of my black lace dress I wore to a friends wedding for me to wear for Christmas day. I was hoping to have it made a bit earlier for the pre Christmas socialising but with one hand that didn't happen! I made a few fit changes, taking it in at the sides, I had couple of other changes to make but forgot about them when I was cutting out so will do next time. This might be my first tried and true T&T pattern! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr F had to join me in showing off his new orange and blue trousers</td></tr>
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Front left<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front left view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back. Slightly distorted by holding 17 kgs in the front at the same time. But its my first hand picked zipper</td></tr>
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I still don't actually need to undo the zipper to get into the dress so not sure if I will add one next time. But I'll add a bit more width to the neckline at the shoulder inner side and lower the front neck a bit.Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-61401888590575583142016-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:002016-12-19T01:25:20.466-08:00Christmas star singlet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oops -Pre Christmas post from 2015...</div>
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I love it when teachers decide that end of year costumes need to be simple. Last year </div>
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I ended up making 8 pairs of white trousers for Mr J's class. This year it was just a black singlet. The teachers did the hard part of spraypainting the star on the front and in a big group they looked great. Mr F of course had to be in the shot. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black singlet with gold spraypainted star aka Fred Dagg</td></tr>
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I was even luckier with Mr F as his school end of year production required him to be an All Black. We had last years too big teeshirt that I bought cause I could turn it inside out to be all black - and the ever faithful ninja trousers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred Dagg and a mini all black </td></tr>
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-13455136140953658552016-01-25T23:48:00.000-08:002016-01-25T23:48:01.468-08:00Christmas (Tailors} Hams Ignoring all my current projects, I decided that I HAD to make a tailors ham. This is used as a pressing tool rather than to eat funnily enough. I picked up this great bobbin material in a fabric swap with Wendy from <a href="http://wenznz.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Sew Biased</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy cotton side</td></tr>
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The other side was with some fantastic pure wool that looked like the kind of thing tailors hams were made of. From a fabric swap with the <a href="http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Crafty Mermaid</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink wool side </td></tr>
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I picked the filling based on others advice and got wood shavings from the pet store (normally used for rabbit beds I think). I've used these a few times and I think I might have to restuff them as the filling has settled. (Also I was one handed when I was stuffing them so it was a little hard to press the wood down). I used the free pattern from <a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/blog/2012/08/diy-tailors-hams-guest-post-at-tilly-and-the-buttons-bog/" target="_blank">Victory Patterns</a>. </div>
Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-18906870807193357712016-01-23T23:19:00.003-08:002016-01-23T23:19:39.455-08:00End of year review of my to do list 2015During my non sewing period due to torn muscles, I spent a while tiding up my sewing room. This consisted of putting things in their right place. Funny how that makes a difference. <br />
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What I also did that was shocking (well to me any) was to make up a list of all the projects I had 'on the go'. Also called UFO - unfinished objects or WIP - work in progress.<br />
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As at mid July I had 48 items to complete. Now before you laugh, some of that was mending. It also explained why I had a sinking feeling when i went into my sewing area!<br />
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I've since made progress through the list but discovered something interesting. Although I have now completed 31 items, there are still 35 items to do. I'm not bad at maths (thanks to learning the new maths strategies from Mr 11, so I did some investigation. Turns out that not only did I complete things on my to do list, I also started<br />
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<li>New curtains for a big bedroom</li>
<li>Orange tee - shirt for Mr F</li>
<li>Orange trousers for Mr F</li>
<li>Skirt block (Craftsy class)</li>
<li>and created new patterns for a tee, reusable shopping bag and a silk bias dress.</li>
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I could justify my list for a while I as having to move my machine down two flights of stairs meant I only cut out and drafted patterns at my monthly sewing class. So I knew there would be a bit of a backlog - but 48 - Seriously!<br />
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As this is a belated end of year reflection I've learnt that<br />
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<li>I like shiny new things</li>
<li>I hate going back to unsuccessful projects and writing up what needs to happen differently - and then throwing unsuccessful garment away.</li>
<li>I need to set aside more time to clear out the to do list before starting new things!</li>
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Wonder how long my list will be in mid 2016? </div>
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IGillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-42306750447934488102015-09-30T00:53:00.000-07:002015-09-30T00:53:00.061-07:00Blue Onsie Kwik Sew 3712<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsSaXfelhoQ/VAQqW08f0yI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ueN1otw6RkY/s1600/20140518_153625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsSaXfelhoQ/VAQqW08f0yI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ueN1otw6RkY/s1600/20140518_153625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to make a 'Onesie' an 'all in one' PJ for my son. I was kindly lent an adult size onesie Kwik Sew pattern 3712. We are lacking pattern shops in Wellington since the demise of Arthur Toyes, and Spotlight rarely have the pattern I'm looking for. Mr J was only 9 at the time of making so it was quite a bit of pattern grading down that I had to do. I made this out of a blue polar fleece I bought about 3 years ago. This become my priority sewing in a bid to reduce the size (Volume not number) of my stash. <br />
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I really wanted to use fastners/domes on the front for ease of access but wasn't sure they would stay together through two layers of polar fleece, so used buttons instead. Should have added a zipper. Firstly the material was too thick for my flash new machine to make decent button holes. I had to cut and hand bind the button holes. Then I also forgot the ease of pulling up a zipper compared to doing up 8 buttons. <br />
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It's been worn all winter this year, so I'd count that as a success.Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-60308273408526424072015-09-28T01:22:00.000-07:002015-09-28T01:22:00.355-07:00Pop up shop dangers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is why belonging to a bloggers sewing group is not good for me. You get early knowledge of sales. This one was too good to pass up, even though I was trying to reduce the size of my stash (space it takes up, not number of pieces). Levana is a wonderful textiles shop in Levin and they had a pop up sale in Wellington. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Rather like a clear Santa Sack but material not toys<br /></td></tr>
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Along with some fabric for me I added to each order a few extra meters of each fabric under the "Someone from Fabric Hoarders will be able to make use of it" excuse. I've just started making use of it now and the fabrics are lovely to work with. </div>
<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-81812347993187486392015-09-21T01:15:00.000-07:002015-09-21T01:15:00.243-07:00Pasley pants in vivid orangeMy friend the crafty mermaid put me on to these pants so after buying my first PDF pattern I made a brown pair in size 5. They had a pinstripe but no pockets and fitted perfectly. Which meant he outgrew them in a couple of months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original size 5 boys with pinstripe.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I've now made a second pair. This time size 7 which meant they are roomy round the waist but way to long.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very close to the true orange brightness that they are</td></tr>
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This is also my first trouser pocket. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2ea4Mh7JN0/VVmrTgTF_vI/AAAAAAAAAfI/QBBlxLxvwAA/s1600/20150412_153137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2ea4Mh7JN0/VVmrTgTF_vI/AAAAAAAAAfI/QBBlxLxvwAA/s320/20150412_153137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the Rocket pocket linings</td></tr>
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Hopefully Mr F won't grow out of his love of orange anytime soon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-38287313587950337732015-09-11T01:09:00.000-07:002015-12-29T17:57:07.825-08:00Sewing retreat Fabric Hoarders 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I was lucky enough to attend another retreat with my 'Once a month sewing group'- the Fabric Hoarders. It was held near Otaki on the Kapiti Coast. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across the Otaki River</td></tr>
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It is about 7km off the main road close to the Otaki river. I went for a morning walk and it was beautiful. Riverslea Retreat is a <span style="text-align: center;">vegetarian retreat with lots of local and organic food on offer. It was catered which, once we had all agreed the selections, meant no cooking- and even better no dishes! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We had a smaller number than last time so we could have the fire on in the main lounge where we had the machines set up. That left good space in the other areas for irons, and cutting tables and most importantly the drinks and nibbles area. </span><br />
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I worked on my second quilt <a href="http://livinglifenz.blogspot.co.nz/2015/08/bright-quilt-part-one.html" target="_blank">Bright Quilt</a> and started a dress for a friends wedding.<br />
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Added in with the sewing was a some shopping at the local shops and lots of laughter with friends and its easy to see why this is one of my favorite things to do. <br />
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-3502666694983444132015-09-04T19:46:00.000-07:002015-09-04T19:46:00.449-07:00Green Knitted Pixie Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've moved on from scarfs to hats. I love this hat and the pattern was easy to follow. Unfortunately Mr F has decided his head gets too hot with a hat and only wears it with bribery. Me saying "But you look sooo cute" doesn't motivate either! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Green wool hat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who can resist that cheey grin!</td></tr>
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-33821267013212821742015-08-30T19:42:00.000-07:002015-08-31T01:00:30.746-07:00Bright quilt part one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started another quilt! I wanted to finish one first before I started another so that I didn't end up with too many (cough.. more) unfinished projects and the start of a quilting stash. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMY1udnJegw/Vd7TWNrrKWI/AAAAAAAAAfg/YxnfJq4q8ic/s1600/20150821_115117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMY1udnJegw/Vd7TWNrrKWI/AAAAAAAAAfg/YxnfJq4q8ic/s320/20150821_115117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I chose my favorite colours for this quilt. I'm planning on it being a T.V. lap quilt. I started making a 9 block quilt but it looked a bit boring as I laid it lumpily over my couch to check the arrangement. I ended up cutting those blocks in quarters. </div>
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I took it to my sewing retreat and got lots of good suggestions as to the order. I did have to make an emergency shopping expedition as I needed one last fat quarter. Four shops and two hours of driving later I found the perfect piece. I can now see the benefits of planning and buying all your material before you start a quilt. </div>
Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-11217468252255845752015-05-18T01:59:00.000-07:002015-05-18T01:59:00.486-07:00Teaching boys to sewJeb has been very keen to sew for quite a while. He started making tea towels which was great but he was a little over enthusiastic with my expensive sewing machine so we took a break for a while.<br />
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This weekend I saw that Spotlight had a sale in their beginner sewing machines so I purchased one. I will be a bit more comfortable taking this one out to classes as well as letting Jeb sew on it. Jeb did the marking and cutting, I ironed the edges and he did the sewing. It looks great and he's already making plans for his next item.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First apron</td></tr>
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He even watched all of the instruction video. Which was useful as how many 10 year olds think their mother knows anything!Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-69310002413048753682015-03-08T01:49:00.000-08:002015-03-08T01:49:00.065-08:00blue nightshirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally finished my button holes and sewed on the buttons for my blue nightshirt. It fits much better than my previous pink one, but I still had the same issues with the inside of the collar not sitting quite right. Would have helped if I had taken some more photos of this stage. Isn't that the definition of insanity - doing the same thing but expecting a different result? Funnily enough it looks lust like the pink one, but bigger.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue version </td></tr>
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This is the closest you'll get to seeing me in my nightie!Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-29522074363376016392015-03-01T01:25:00.000-08:002015-03-01T01:25:00.040-08:00emergency birthday presents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The benefit of sewing is that theoretically it is easy to whip up presents for people. I'm never that organised but after making pirate curtains for Mr J's bunks which have now dismantlement I had an excess of pirate material. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Pirate bag<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I made a quick drawstring bag and tucked it away for emergencies - a quick addition of some chocolate made is a useful and well liked present. Should probably make some more...</span>Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-91498061682988787182015-02-22T01:20:00.000-08:002015-02-22T01:20:00.943-08:00Treasure hunitng with the Wellington Sewing Bloggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Wellington Sewing Bloggers network not only share fabric sale news, we sometimes actually coordinate to meet there together. A local church was holding a fabric sale so of course I had to go. I meet up with some of the Wellington Sewing Bloggers and had time for a hot chocolate afterwards. I have plans for the wool and the linen tablecloth. . </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric fair treasures<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New scarf wool I'm thinking</td></tr>
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The rest of the goodies will go into the stash and the dome/fasteners I'll have a play with before I actually try and use them on some material.
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dXw3piy0h8U%2FVAQm9S15ZPI%2FAAAAAAAAAQU%2Fge3bwSwEYik%2Fs1600%2F20140510_191131.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXw3piy0h8U/VAQm9S15ZPI/AAAAAAAAAQU/ge3bwSwEYik/s1600/20140510_191131.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXw3piy0h8U/VAQm9S15ZPI/AAAAAAAAAQU/ge3bwSwEYik/s1600/20140510_191131.jpg" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXw3piy0h8U/VAQm9S15ZPI/AAAAAAAAAQU/ge3bwSwEYik/s1600/20140510_191131.jpg" -->Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-54440770716118471322015-02-15T01:15:00.000-08:002015-02-15T01:15:00.604-08:00Girls tunic top Kwik Sew 3769<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've made this top before for my goddaughter and it's a great top if you are making for children that are not easy to measure (especially if they live some distance away). It has a neck casing that the tie goes through, so the neckline is easily adjusted. It can also be worn as a dress/tunic or top. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiwk sew 3769</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holes for the neck casing to go through</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top one complete</td></tr>
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I made these for my gorgeous nieces. It was too hot for fabric shopping with them, but luckily I had some difference fabrics in my stash they could choose from, - I knew all the fabric shopping/hoarding would come in handy.<br />
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I did laugh when I was busy cutting these out and Ms 4 bounced into the room to see if I had finished yet, 20 minutes after choosing her fabric! I had visions of making coordinating hats, but decided to just go with finishing them and posting while they still fitted. <br />
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-4451707894509708402015-02-08T01:09:00.000-08:002015-02-08T01:09:00.709-08:00Lazy sewing - a guideThis is what happens when you have twelve white togas to sew for a school production with one days notice. You run out of energy to rethread your machine when the right needle breaks at 11pm at night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three thread overlocking for the lazy</td></tr>
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So you sew with one needle on a default three thread overlocking style. I figured since they were being worn for 4 minutes once, they could do with a less stable thread. The overlocker is now proudly sporting new needles and black thread. I used to dread rethreading, but amazingly enough, found that if I followed the rethreading instructions exactly it worked fine. Its a very sturdy Huskylock bought second hand and rarely adjusted.Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-73250725784166466272015-02-01T06:15:00.000-08:002015-02-01T06:15:00.469-08:00Prem baby''s blanket<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful new pink and orange wool for a baby blanket.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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There is a wonderful facebook group called earlybuds who make clothes and blankets for prem babies. I've been following them for a while and decided to make a premature baby's blanket for them. It meant I could knit in pink for a while as I never get to make girls things, and it was a small square (50cmx50cm) so I thought it was achievable. There were a couple of issues though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My knitting needles when I went to knit today</td></tr>
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Everyone denies it, but somehow my metal knitting needles got very bent! I was able to make a quick trip to the yarn shop nearby <a href="http://www.hollandroadyarn.co.nz/">http://www.hollandroadyarn.co.nz/</a> to get new needles. I chose bamboo ones. They are very nice to knit with, and it was an easy project to take with me in my purse. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr F trying the blanket out for size</td></tr>
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Its now finished, but I need to figure out how to get it to not roll at the edges then I can send it off. So that makes it project knitting no 3 completed. <br />
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Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-26494196021897748072015-01-28T01:39:00.000-08:002015-01-28T01:39:00.201-08:00Sewing projects half started<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I don't have the energy to actually sew, or lug my machine to the monthly sewing group, I take along projects that need cutting out with the intention to sew them up sometime soon. Unfortunately that box is a bit overflowing at the moment.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold my box of cut out projects</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">half sewn slip that needs a lot of adjusting to complete</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver & S Bucket hat<br /></td></tr>
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The hat I've actually completed since these photos were taken.<a href="http://livinglifenz.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/hat-making.html" target="_blank">http://livinglifenz.blogspot.co.nz/2015/01/hat-making.html</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ADc2rISpAM/VMNlnWEYALI/AAAAAAAAAaY/60MHQIWR5Vs/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ADc2rISpAM/VMNlnWEYALI/AAAAAAAAAaY/60MHQIWR5Vs/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small size Oliver & S Red riding hood cape</td></tr>
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The last cape I made from this pattern was fun to make and very cute. Just waiting for time to finish this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6NWfKZwb6Q/VMNlp1U0i9I/AAAAAAAAAag/xJaVLrPxmGs/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6NWfKZwb6Q/VMNlp1U0i9I/AAAAAAAAAag/xJaVLrPxmGs/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a self drafted pattern from a cute wrap top that I own. </td></tr>
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There is a self drafting challenge coming up with the sewing bloggers so I might get inspired to finish this. I need to make myself some detailed instructions so that I get the sewing order correct as there are rolled edges and seams to get in order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Bmbh2i2dk/VMNlq-73aEI/AAAAAAAAAao/KgeVaUBMp10/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3Bmbh2i2dk/VMNlq-73aEI/AAAAAAAAAao/KgeVaUBMp10/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly a summer skirt</td></tr>
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I'm not sure if this one will get completed. Its a skirt, cut out but its leftover material from my nightshirt. the nightshirt has faded dreadfully so I'm not sure if its worth the effort to make this up knowing its not going to last. Also the boys have pointed out that I'm in camouflage when I'm against our blue floral duvet.Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-2418236591814225482015-01-25T01:31:00.000-08:002015-01-25T01:31:00.093-08:00Bluet DressI bought this beautiful dress pattern with some of the other Wellington Sewing Bloggers. Its from a small independent pattern house in France. Very fancy. Unfortunately their instructions were not so fancy. I love the back and after the second re cut I got it fitting really well. The collar instructions were almost non existent. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very cute bow in the back </td></tr>
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The front I mucked up by getting paranoid that it would not fit around the middle and I didn't have enough material left over to recut the front centre panels. I had to cut off a couple of inches at the front neckline as it gaped quite a bit, then I added a self drafted facing to the front that I wrapped around the front to use as a button placard. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC_qVrxQWkQ/Uz5a3iGHBpI/AAAAAAAAAOo/si1wimlZnII/s1600/20140208_173849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC_qVrxQWkQ/Uz5a3iGHBpI/AAAAAAAAAOo/si1wimlZnII/s1600/20140208_173849.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front before alteration </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final dress</td></tr>
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I extended the sleeves, but lost any form of shaping in the process. I have since reduced the width of the sleeves but they could do with a button at the wrist edge to reduce width even further. <br />
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-2822646023178779992015-01-15T18:05:00.001-08:002015-01-15T18:05:28.303-08:00Hat making<br /> I've restarted my hat making efforts. I made a very cute red hat last year, and it looked so great that I immediately bought some more material and cut out a blue and green hat. Then summer finished (it happens quickly in Wellington) and it sat around all last year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver & S Bucket hat </td></tr>
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I made it reversible in Mr F's favorite colors, but held my breath that although he'd grown a couple of inches last year his head size would be similar. Thankfully it was. I didn't spend quite as long sewing circles round the brim as I wanted to get it finished and worn so it's not quite as well sewn as the red hat. You can see in the photo below the set up at the fabric hoarders Sunday sewing - lots of big long tables to spread out on!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCdTuq8xppA/VLhrjNPBx9I/AAAAAAAAAYU/RWlhfaolEbA/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCdTuq8xppA/VLhrjNPBx9I/AAAAAAAAAYU/RWlhfaolEbA/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reversible as well. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMIAZVvzAaA/VLhruDNYkCI/AAAAAAAAAYs/HjA0VbgOr2s/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qMIAZVvzAaA/VLhruDNYkCI/AAAAAAAAAYs/HjA0VbgOr2s/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr F looking very happy with his surprise green hat.</td></tr>
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I was also pleased to finish a hat for Mr D. I had thought about making this for a Christmas present but knew I would be pushed for time so I didn't mention it. I did wash the material and dry on the line outside so it was hard to keep the fact I was making something starwars a secret! This is the Escape hat by Angel Lea Designs. via PDF. I made two hats, the first one a uregntly needed painting hat, which meant I used what I had to hand, which was a tan woven and a tan stretch - not the easiest combination to sew together. I also cut out sew in interfacing rather than iron on and decided to use that. It didn't have quite the same body to it but it was in use straight away so can't have been too bad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In usage about 2 mins after making!</td></tr>
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I added the fabric band that was included but only on one side to see how it worked. It was good to try it out but since it added to the sewing time I didn't bother in the starwars version. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAYhxmnreI8/VLhuxZxQf1I/AAAAAAAAAZE/M7qBX_rU-_g/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the fabric band </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a peek of geek</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or all star wars</td></tr>
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Apparently its perfect for cricket watching. Now only need to make one for Mr J and myself and we are all set for summer!<br />
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-55233725049511662642014-09-15T03:37:00.000-07:002014-09-15T03:40:17.734-07:00Sewing Bloggers Room TourI belong to a wonderful group of sewing bloggers, who are based in Wellington NZ (Hence the name WSBN - Wellington Sewing Bloggers Network. We are challenged by the mighty <a href="http://66stitches.wordpress.com/2014/09/01/the-great-wsbn-sewing-room-tour-and-were-off/">Gemma</a> to take picture of our sewing rooms on a day in July and post a room on our blog. Thanks to the <a href="http://crafty-mermaid.blogspot.co.nz/">Crafty Mermaid</a> for making me go next.<br />
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My sewing room(s) tour starts here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sewing space</td></tr>
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This is my sewing area in my share of our upstairs lounge. On the right is my cutting table, then my desk with my machines, my treads and a book case with my notions and material. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookcase of fabric</td></tr>
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I have had periods when the bookcase held beautifully folded material in neat piles, but this isn't one of them. I used to have another book case, but decided it blocked the light so removed it from here. This means all my boxes of notions etc had no home so things got shoved around a bit. The curtains are the last of my 12 tablecloths from our wedding. Curtains might be exaggerating a bit as they are held up with boxes, but they block the fabric hoarding from visitors. Did I mention that I have a few more piles of fabric - damm Gemma and her demand for honesty in this post.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TseV5zN1J-0/VBCywrt470I/AAAAAAAAAU4/GveIdhulOpo/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TseV5zN1J-0/VBCywrt470I/AAAAAAAAAU4/GveIdhulOpo/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curtain fabric under the couch</td></tr>
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So this is my upholstery fabric on rolls under the couch downstairs. Its about 30 meters of curtain fabric mostly from the local plunket fabric sale and some for upholstering a bench seat should I ever be bored. I'm a sucker for sad fabric left at end of sales - they call to me and tell me to take them home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fabric box under cutting table</td></tr>
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This is a mix of decorating fabric and sheets for making muslins, and the box on the right is knit fabric bought before I focused on the quality of the materials I was sewing on. So a mix of polyester and merino. Mostly for making sweatshirts. Doesn't that sound like I've made more then 1 of them in my life to date? Anyway. For extra bonus you can see the train tracks that make up the obstacle course on the way to my half of space.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bits and bobs</td></tr>
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This is my mending pile, pictures waiting to be hung, muslin, linings, interfacing and a spare curtain that I use as reference to make sure I'm sewing curtain things on the right way around. Just above this is the cupboard waiting for repair before I can store these away. It needs a roof.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad empty cupboard waiting for fabric</td></tr>
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I have a vague recollection of Gemma saying we should write about what we are planning on sewing next. I prefer to have a range of options to choose from, depending on my mood. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP Pile</td></tr>
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This is my work in progress pile. I've cut a few things out for when I get inspired to sew but can't be bothered starting anything from the beginning.The current pile consists of an Oliver & S Red Riding Hood cape and two of their bucket hats. Plus one a line summer skirt - no rush on that as Wellington summer is a while away.<br />
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Now its over to T<a href="http://thedreamstress.com/">he Dreamstress</a> for tomorrows tour. Enjoy and Happy Sewing! <br />
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Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-43985802379301703132014-09-10T13:09:00.000-07:002014-09-10T13:09:25.885-07:00Short Tales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made a couple of trousers from some black fluffy material (technical I know) and had a wee bit left over.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy material and merino from the Fabric Store.</td></tr>
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Mr F's creche have tails that they like to wear, so I thought I'd make one for him. Took about 4 minutes, and he loves it. I made a slightly shaped rectangle hemmed on the overlocker down the longest side. I then measured his waist for the elastic, hand stitched it on the tail and all done. I didn't even bother hemming the bottom as its bound to get destroyed or lost before it wear out!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very easy tail</td></tr>
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I wished I had a photo of Mr F trying to catch it to show me - he went round and round in circles!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gu4XEc2PxR0/VAQseLwIZVI/AAAAAAAAARU/EG004OkcFW8/s1600/20140726_155427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gu4XEc2PxR0/VAQseLwIZVI/AAAAAAAAARU/EG004OkcFW8/s1600/20140726_155427.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail in action</td></tr>
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-56906469974518170152014-09-03T01:39:00.000-07:002015-01-24T01:48:24.138-08:00Gillian Merino Tunic I recently took part in the Wellington Sewing Bloggers 'Whats in a name challenge'. The aim was to sew a pattern that had the same name as you. This then extended to your middle names, names of any women in your family, a name you would have liked to have been called etc in order to make something you'd actually want to wear. When I wore this to work for the first time and was doing a twirl (as you do) for my workmate she said that's very you. On that basis I christened this my Gillian tunic. <br />
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This is a self drafted merino tunic, made up very quickly as my
workplace was freezing. I was very pleased with this when I made it as
it kept me very warm. But after looking at the photos I can see that the shoulders are a bit wide and I know the back needs taken in. I self bias binding around the sleeves and neckline and managed to get the tension about right - which is a first for me after completing the Craftsy 'Ultimate Tee" course. I'm hoping this will become a tried n true pattern in the future and have already bought some blue material to make this up in next.<br />
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3550650111116849319.post-24175475641408290562014-09-01T01:11:00.000-07:002014-09-01T01:11:07.782-07:00French Red ScarfOne could be mistaken for thinking that after taking 7 years to finish my last scarf, I would be reluctant to start another. But no - I wanted a red scarf, and found two balls of silky, smooth French wool at the Fabric-a-Brac earlier in the year. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French merino mix wool</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, while it seemed lovely and smooth all wound up, once knitted it turned into an itchy scratchy kind of scarf. Guessing as I did the number of stitches I would need for a scarf, the first version was a wide as a jersey. I decided to be an adult and unpick the 5 inches I had done, and reduce the number of stitches. Version 2 is still a bit wide, especially given that I only had two balls of wool. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under construction - Version 2</td></tr>
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It's now a completed short fat scarf that I can wear as long as its not close to my skin. But at least it was completed within a couple of months - I'll take my successes where I can!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final scarf</td></tr>
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<br />Gillian Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16162319346074569748noreply@blogger.com0