Gingham Negroni for Joshua

 

Ok,  so crafting resolution #2 attempt 1! I've been wanting to make something for my boyfriend Josh for years now, and finally got around to it. I'm pretty pleased with it for a first try, though there are definitely some things that I'll change for the next try (primarily the length of the shirt body). Also I learned that not only am I bad at taking self timer shots of myself, but I generally suck at photography all around. For most of these pictures I stood way to close to Josh and since he's a good foot taller than me, they all ended up being lovely shots of up his nose. Sorry babe! I also didn't take that many shots since I felt bad about making him model (for no real reason since he was great about it) so had very few shots to pull from. New mini crafting resolution: become better at photography.

Pattern notes:

This is the Negroni pattern from Colette Patterns. I got this back in 2011, so it's been in my stash for a while. I didn't realize that it had a camp collar until I started making it! I think it works but I also want to make Josh a more traditional dress shirt as well, so if anyone has any suggestions let me know!

I used the medium for the most parts but lengthened the body to the xl. I did this because I was comparing the length to that of a shirt my boyfriend said was a good length on him but realized after it was done that long dress shirt = meant to be tucked, versus the short more casual style of the negroni. So that was one new lesson. I want to go back and shorten this shirt at some point.

The only other change I did was slashing and overlapping the sleeve at the midpoint to make it narrower, which was the only change Josh asked for from the muslin. I wasn't really sure at first how to go about doing that while still keeping the cuff and shoulder seams the same size since he was happy with them. After searching the internet the best I could come up with was the inverse of this technique (thanks internet!). I then trued the pattern and proceeded on my way. It seems to have worked but yeah, lots of guesswork in that pattern manipulation theory.

 

Sewing notes:

Lots of new techniques for me here but not many changes from the pattern. The only major failure was my flat felled shoulder seams. When it came time to press the shoulder seams to the body to be sewn down I messed up the previous pressed fold, and could not get it back as neatly because it was already sewn on. Next time I'm just going to finger press at this point. I think maybe I lack refined pressing skills!

 

 

Plackets! Kind of fun, kind of stressful. I bought an edge stitch foot after this project. 

 

Fabric notes:

I've decided that items sewn for other people are exempt from my stash diet rules, and this was not a stash piece so it doesn't count towards my stash total. However of the 3 yards I bought for this project I ended up with about 3/4 of a yard left (single layer cutting!) so now that leftover counts as 'stash'. 

Been really enjoying watching Project Sewn unfold, and have a couple ideas about the next themes so might submit to the sew along if I can get organized in time!

Nani Iro Pastille Dress

So this is my first completed project of 2014! I've committed to the Stash Diet: 2014 because my fabric buying has been outpacing my project making since I was about 15 and first started going fabric shopping. It's pretty bad. For one thing, I have quite a few pieces that are no longer really my style, so will need to be given up or used in a creative fashion. I think the best (or worst) is a fleece covered with large eyed fawns and berries... I think it might be too saccharine for even a one year old. Oh high school Laurel, wtf.

 

But not so this fabric. This was pretty much my favourite stash piece, and I wanted to make sure I made something with it while I was still in love.

Also functions as a fancy Deena bed.

Fabric notes:

This is a Nani Iro double gauze cotton that I've been holding on to for the last two years. It's incredibly soft and the green is a lovely vibrant shade. I think the name of the print was Gentle Cooing, which is kind of amusing. When I want to buy a print I can't really afford I only buy 1 1/2 yards as I know that's the minimum I can squeeze a garment out of. There was pretty much no fabric left as scraps, but it worked!

Pattern notes:

This the Pastille dress from the Colette sewing handbook which I've owned for a couple years now, it's only my second pattern made from the book, so I guess it counts as stash... using?
I had to make quite a few pattern alterations to make it work but that seems standard from looking at other peoples versions.
I did:
 A small bust adjustment.
Removed 1" from upper back as you would a swayback.
 Lengthened darts - front waist 1", back waist 2", back neckline 1"
removed 1/2 fullness from front and back cap sleeves

I also used a dirndl skirt instead of the straight skirt, but that was due to the fact that I noticed I prefer wearing dirndl skirts more. I do really like the tucks on the original skirt though, so maybe I'll make this again some time.


I'm almost done my Victory beret, so for once I might actually finish a knit/sew-along by the deadline! If so I may have two posts in one week (!?).

Thanks for checking out my project,

Laurel 

Light Stripes Colette Hazel

I was having a hard time getting proper pictures of this dress because the print is so light, plus before I could take pictures I spilt wine on it and wore it with a red vintage sweater that rubbed red dye on it. Blerg! The Hazel dress pattern is my favourite dress pattern offered by Colette patterns. Even thought my body is pretty far from the type this line of patterns is designed for I think the bodice on this pattern is just too flattering to resist.

Fabric notes:

The fabric is a reproduction from the 1800 hundreds (which speaks of my totally contemporary fashion tastes) which I bought in downtown Toronto for about four dollars a yard. It is a quilting cotton, so a bit stiff, and the winkles in the fabric have proven hard to get out. I really love the way stripes emphasize the lines of this bodice design though.

Pattern Notes:

With Colette patterns I have to make a small bust adjustment, which is what is shown above. I used the method outlined by Anna here. I also lengthened the bodice by an inch, and shortened the straps.

I'm thinking a version in a wool crepe with a half circle skirt might be a good wintertime project!

Colette Spring & Summer Colour Palette

image sources clockwise from top left:

Willow from etsy seller ara133photography via pinterest , Moschino flats , Mint Skirt , Vivi April 2012, Colour swatches from Robert Kaufman

I decided to participate in the Colette Spring & Summer palette sewing challenge! I've been following the Colette sewing blog for some time - I also own the Negroni and Éclair patterns, which I haven't had a chance to try yet, so I'm excited I'm  finally going to try to do one of the sew along challenges. It also helpfully happens to be my break between the winter and summer semesters right now so hopefully I won't get side tracked like I often end up allowing myself. I'm hoping to focus on feminine classics in colours that will complement what I already have in my wardrobe (tons of red and black basically).