tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257412432024-03-23T11:28:51.215-07:00The Virtual Princess and the PeaAlicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-32745821620746106602015-07-29T13:20:00.001-07:002015-07-29T14:16:08.038-07:00Inspiration with Sailor Rose, Liberty Lawn and McCalls 6959<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/19496734043/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="sailor-rose-wrap-dress-liberty-of-london-constellation-print-3"><img alt="sailor-rose-wrap-dress-liberty-of-london-constellation-print-3" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/306/19496734043_7694bd60cf_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo belongs to<a href="http://www.sailorrose.com/womens-dresses/wrap-dress-in-liberty-of-london-constellation-print" target="_blank"> Sailor Rose</a></span></div>
Hi everyone! I haven't been around for ages; there just doesn't seem to have been enough time in the days for sewing as well as everything else, so I haven't sewn for ages, hence the blogging absence. Exercising regularly and walking my doggie twice a day (long walks) seems to have filled in the sewing gaps. However...<br />
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...the other day I happened to be looking at something-or-other online (as one does) and, heaven knows how, but I came across something almost totally unrelated to my original quest (as always seems to happen!) and suddenly felt the urgent need to create. Maybe I just needed something to kickstart my sewing mojo again. After all, most of us don't have the time to sew, but we <em>make</em> the time (same with exercise!)<br />
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The "something" was the above dress. Now I remember, I'd been looking for the fabric, which is Kevin B by Liberty, and came across it in the form of this dress, which is by an American company called Sailor Rose (link above), so of course I wanted the dress and not just the fabric. Looked at the price for the dress: $280! I'm sure it's very nice, but: 1. I just don't have $280 for a dress and 2. um...did I mention the price?!<br />
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Searched for a wrap dress pattern that was for wovens (most are for knits), and came up with:<br />
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Only thing is, to make the dress with the fuller skirt (although it is a bit too full for my liking anyway) would mean around 4m of Liberty lawn...too expensive. But with the straight skirt, even allowing extra fabric for mods to the ties (will explain) only approx. 1.8m is required. Yay!! So I'm going for view D but adding a collar to it. I don't usually go for straight skirts as, although I like the style, I find wearing them too restricting and uncomfortable. I'm thinking that in this case the skirt will have extra ease, due to the excess fabric in the wrap.<br />
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As for the ties, the pattern has the dress secured on the inside, with hidden ties (although there is the option of a separate belt), but I think it would be better to thread the innermost tie through a side opening and have the whole thing tie around the waist on the outside. If I don't have some definition in the waist I'll look like a sack.<br />
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So it looks as though I can recreate the Sailor Rose dress at a fraction of the cost though - trust me on this one - if I had the money I'd just buy it!! For now I'm making it up in the brown colourway of Liberty Strawberry Thief, but I have some Kevin B (otherwise known as "constellations") on the way. Whether I'll use it for another of these depends on how this one goes.<br />
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Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-79998229270066539682014-03-20T08:57:00.001-07:002014-03-20T10:13:56.347-07:00Vogue 8956 Skirt in Paul Smith Brushed Cotton<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289188433/" title="P3204229 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204229" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/13289188433_3e71aa3656_z.jpg" width="243" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289188983/" title="P3204233 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204233" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/13289188983_012f1902e0_z.jpg" width="279" /></a><br />
Hello!<br />
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Thank you for your comments on my last post. I have been absent for a while, partly because I have done no sewing at all since the middle of January, and partly because I just couldn't seem to have the wherewithal to blog! It's taking the photos that does it. I can be so lazy in that respect. <br />
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The thing is I really do have loads of stuff I have made (before January) and just haven't blogged. I truly always intend to catch up but somehow I never get round to it. Today, because my ten-year old son is away and I have extra time to myself, I have actually made the skirt I'm showing you right now, and I've taken pics of two dresses I made at the start of the year. I'll blog the dresses soon (honestly!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289053185/" title="P3204237 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204237" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/13289053185_6bc688d456.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289189623/" title="P3204241 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204241" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/13289189623_a1b521e3a4.jpg" width="220" /></a>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">My new sunglasses! Ignore the wrinkle near the skirt waistband. The brushed cotton sticks to itself. I should have smoothed it down!</span></div>
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So, this skirt is V8956, which is described as a "semi-fitted, wrap skirt". Simple as that! Mine is view B, which is the longer of the two asymmetrical options. I should make more skirts...this was so easy and quick. It has no lining, just facings to finish the two vertical edges, and two buttonholes and buttons to deal with. I did slipstitch the inner waistband to the skirt, but I love hand sewing as you know!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289187573/" title="P3204226 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204226" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/13289187573_e8e70728ac.jpg" width="170" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289187213/" title="P3204224 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204224" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/13289187213_64ee98e4d6.jpg" width="197" /></a><br />
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I did have to make an alteration, as the regular, straight side was quite a bit too wide from just below the waistband. To be fair, I am quite straight up and down in my shape, so I always have to have a size or two bigger in the waist or smaller in the hip. However, this time I had to take out nearly two inches in total all the way down the right side. Partly because it was too wide in the hip, and partly because it looks much better narrower on the regular side.<br />
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I love this skirt! It was so easy peasy to make, and it's so easy to wear, too. Also, a big plus point is that, being held together by just two buttons on the waistband, I can easily alter it to fit (should I need to) by moving the buttons along. Yay!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13289780625/" title="P3204274 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204274" height="240" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/13289780625_ac3c4f5951_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/13291462714/" title="P3204275 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3204275" height="313" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/13291462714_547322fdf5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Maybe I will actually wear these sunglasses instead of just sticking them in a drawer!</span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-5195763845079481242014-01-13T03:47:00.000-08:002014-01-13T03:47:11.924-08:00Butterick 5526 with McCalls 6035 Sleeve in Liberty Branchflower - orange colourway<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11926671105/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P1134108 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P1134108" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/11926671105_b1fdebcb48_z.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
I have made two shirts in the last week, both in Liberty lawn because I just love working with it and wearing it; it's lightweight but closely woven (which makes it seem somewhat silky), the designs are beautiful and it's very easy to iron.<br />
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In the past I've made several <a href="http://theknittingprincessandthepea.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/mccalls-m6436-i-made-this-shirt-which.html" target="_blank">M6436s</a> and I love that pattern for a semi-fitted shirt, but I was looking for a more fitted shirt on this occasion. I didn't, however, want it <i>too</i> fitted so I chose Butterick <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5526-products-12348.php?page_id=363" target="_blank">B5526</a>, which seemed just perfect. I wanted a shirt (I suppose this is really a blouse) with short sleeves this time, but there wasn't an option for that in the pattern so I took the short, slightly puffy, sleeves fromMcCalls <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6035-products-10733.php?page_id=483" target="_blank">M6035</a>. Maybe I shouldn't have been, but I was surprised to find that the frill on the front is a circular ruffle, and not a pleated strip as it seems to appear in the pattern cover illustration.<br />
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I made a quick muslin and immediately realised that the bust apex of the princess seams fell too low, but cutting an 8 at the shoulders (and a 10 everywhere else) remedied this perfectly. I made no other adjustments. Oh, actually I did cut out four ruffles and sewed each pair together and turned them inside out instead of cutting just two and narrow hemming them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11926671065/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P1134111 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P1134111" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/11926671065_84dd379b96.jpg" width="333" /></a> </div>
I have discovered that shirts and blouses are definitely my favourite things to make, especially since I have started using woven interfacing, which actually feels like part of the fabric instead of something stiff and separate. I love the hand sewing, the precision required when attaching all the pieces, and the way it all comes together to be a wearable work of art! Also, it means I can wear my jeans but still wear my home made stuff (well, I could wear my jeans if I could fit comfortably into them, ahem). I have turned forty-eight today, so I'd better get cracking back on my health and fitness regime before it's too late for EVER, hehe!<br />
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As I mentioned, I have made another shirt (another McCalls M6436) and I will post it soon.Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-241748385361582322014-01-01T08:26:00.001-08:002014-01-01T08:54:02.281-08:00McCalls M6833 <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11688795436/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PC253925 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PC253925" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/11688795436_b503089877_z.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11688104283/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PB223849 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PB223849" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/11688104283_fbc43c4b46_z.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
Happy new year to everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.<br />
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This is my Christmas dress this time around. <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6833-products-47780.php?page_id=108" target="_blank">McCalls M6833</a> view B. I made it with something that I assume is quilting cotton. I would never use quilting cotton for a shirt, but for a dress such as this one, it's perfect as it has enough body to hold its shape a bit.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11688106423/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Print by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="Print" height="461" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/11688106423_3ee7ebc870.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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So that the hem had a little more oomph I sewed some horsehair braid onto it. It did the trick! This pattern has an integral net petticoat as part of the dress lining itself. As I wanted the option to use the petticoat with other garments I chose to line only the top part of the dress and make the petticoat separately, which worked really well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11688104923/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PB223850 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PB223850" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/11688104923_38c07c566e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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As usual I hand sewed the zip in, as I like a bit more control over matching the waist seams and making sure the back neck edges match, which I find a little more difficult when machining the zip in.<br />
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I love all the hand sewing! I find inserting the zip and then hand sewing the lining to it very satisfying.<br />
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I will definitely be making view D in the future. I already have the fabric:<br />
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There is only one thing I will change for the next version and that is that the neckline will have to be higher. I'm not a particularly modest dresser but this neckline is about as low as it gets. In all of the rest of my Christmas photos my underwear is clearly on show! That's okay for a party dress but I intend for my next version to be more wearable.<br />
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-76264890949623449162013-12-03T13:22:00.001-08:002013-12-03T13:25:48.922-08:00Butterick B5951 in Liberty Lawn Rachel de Thames - View A<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10996928655/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PB193840 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PB193840" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/10996928655_f006d07627_z.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11195288675/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Print by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="Print" height="299" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/11195288675_5eeb81c294_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I started writing this post two weeks ago! Busy time of year for everyone...I hope you are all enjoying the run up to Christmas. I am playing Elvis "Christmas Peace" as I type. <br />
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I made this dress a few weeks ago and have worn it a couple of times. It's seriously comfortable. I just wish I could have got better photos of it. It's the story of my life it seems, but I really have trouble taking photographs when the light is so bad. My house is pretty dark as it is (I like it that way), without the pervading gloominess outside.<br />
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The dress was so terribly quick and easy to make, and I made no alterations at all except for to take in the front darts a little bit under the bust as it was a little loose there. I had no problems with the back being too long, which really makes a change. It didn't even need shortening in the skirt. I lined the whole dress in black cotton lawn (the pattern is for a lined bodice only). I bought quite a bit of this stuff and I often use it for lining. As you may have noticed, I rarely wear tights, shunning them in favour of a nice pair of knee-high socks (elegant!) Socks are so much easier to wear, I find. So my dresses don't have anything to stick to, which means a cotton lining is perfect even in winter. Also, I like the body it gives to a garment. <br />
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Because I <i>really</i> like my seams to match either side of the zip, these days I always hand sew my zips in, unless it's an invisible one. Also, I do find it difficult to sew the zip in evenly on each side of the teeth, and I find that difficult sometimes with my machine. Let's face it, I love hand sewing so I don't need much of an excuse. <br />
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Because I didn't make up a muslin to check the fit, I used some Liberty lawn that I wasn't exactly in love with, thinking that if it turned out a great dress it would be wearable (which of course it wouldn't be if I had used some of my cheap extra wide sheeting bought specially for making muslins). As it happens, I love the fabric now. Here is a close up of the fabric and the gathers in the front darts:<br />
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The arm holes are lovely and deep, which means they are very comfortable. It will be a great dress to wear in the summer. <br />
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I will definitely be making this dress again; I already have a fabric lined up, and a lovely, crisp, purple cotton lining.</div>
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My cardigan in the top photograph is Andi Satterlund's Hetty, which I knitted in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted in Victorian, a dusty sort of pink. I knitted it a good few weeks ago, so I can't remember many details very clearly, but there is a page for it on Ravelry as there was a knit-along. Here are some photos (excuse the fact that it doesn't really go with the Hawthorn top I'm wearing. I only put it on for the photos!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11194097574/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PA253707 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA253707" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/11194097574_521c0736a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11194096824/" title="PA253698 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA253698" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/11194096824_fe893fd552_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/11194097544/" title="PA253703 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA253703" height="443" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/11194097544_7520c6fcc6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-25261194358490298722013-10-24T04:27:00.002-07:002013-10-24T04:29:43.245-07:00Red Cord Hollyburn Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10455651986/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PA243678 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA243678" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/10455651986_b8afbc1783_z.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Sorry about the glaring underwear! It's flesh coloured, but shiny!</span></div>
Hello everyone.<br />
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Thank you for your comments on my Agatha cardigan. <br />
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I have been sewing with a vengeance, having lost my sewing mojo for several weeks. I always knew it would return, but until then I concentrated on my knitting. I have another cardigan to show you but I haven't yet taken any photos. That seems to be the thing that prevents me blogging for several weeks at a time: taking the photos. I don't know why I find it such a pain to do! Today I am actually wearing this outfit, so I thought I'd better take the photos as I didn't have to bother changing my clothes specially, which makes the whole process easier. When I say "whole process", of course I mean merely standing in my sitting room for a few minutes. Gosh I must be lazier than I thought.<br />
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I have made a few things in the last week: a really lovely 60s blouse in Paul Smith cotton, a ruched, sleeveless dress in Liberty lawn (surprise!), the skirt I am showing you now, and I finally sewed the button bands on to a knitted cardigan. And I almost forgot, I also made a black polyester brocade shirt dress the week before. Wow! I have been busy. And what's more, I haven't had any stompingly frustrating moments, either. You know how sometimes everything seems to go wrong when you're sewing? And you wonder why on earth you bother? Unless it's just me...hehe! <br />
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But I did make a skirt from what is apparently nylon taffeta, and it's like tent material...horrid! Like plastic. Also, the skirt has a lot of gathering at the hip, and the fabric is so thick, it sticks out like a period costume. It's pretty ridiculous, yet I have worn it! I must show you that, too.<br />
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Anyway, my <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1206-hollyburn-skirt" target="_blank">Hollyburn skirt, from Sewaholic Patterns</a>. I have made one before, in black cord, so it didn't photograph very well. I wear it a lot and have always meant to make a red cord one. And I have! This cord is much thicker than the black one I used before, but it's not made any difference to the skirt, and it's nice and warm for winter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10455653396/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PA243682 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA243682" height="357" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/10455653396_372b5f2132.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
The Hollyburn skirt really is a great wardrobe basic. And it's so terrible simple to make. It took me a couple of hours, honestly. You sew the pockets to the fronts, sew the backs and fronts together, put the waistband on, and insert the zip. Hem. That's it! Oh, and I put the tabs on the front, with matching fabric-covered buttons. I made a size 4 and I didn't alter anything, not even the length (this is the longest version).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10456239075/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PA243692 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA243692" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/10456239075_6fe977dcbb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I don't have anything more to say about this skirt, as it's so simple. But I will try to be back pretty soon with some more photos of the other stuff I have made.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10455653696/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PA243686 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA243686" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/10455653696_d443b24fdb.jpg" width="181" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10455653896/" title="PA243683 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA243683" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/10455653896_b12d0decb1.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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Here are some silk dupion samples from <a href="http://www.thesilkroute.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Silk Route</a>. I'm trying to decide which one I would like to use for a Christmas dress.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/10456239745/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="PA243689 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="PA243689" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/10456239745_0a2887c285.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-9324980701779147802013-09-27T08:28:00.002-07:002013-09-27T08:35:13.187-07:00Agatha Cardigan by Andi Satterlund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9966129646/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9273587 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9273587" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9966129646_62a6dce6ce_z.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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Thank you for your comments on my Hawthorn dress. It has been worn several times since I made it and it's one of my favourites.</div>
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I haven't been sewing very much at all. I did cut out a shirtdress (Vogue 8829):</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9967225023/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="V8829 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="V8829" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9967225023_14588128b6_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to get the photo to be larger without it going all blurry. Anyway, I have had this fabric cut out for at least a month and just haven't got around to doing anything with it except for pinning the darts. Because I was so close to finishing a couple of knitting projects, I have been going for it on that side of things instead. The great thing about knitting is that it can be done any time, almost anywhere. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9966130456/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9273591 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9273591" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/9966130456_9241624e6e.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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One of the things I had to get finished was the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/agatha-6" target="_blank">Agatha cardigan</a> in green Cascade 220, which green I can't remember, as I started this cardigan just after Christmas last year and the yarn wrappers are long gone. It didn't really <i>take</i> nine months to knit. I was being lazy and put it aside because I just couldn't be bothered with doing all the short rows on the sleeves but, in the end, it only took a very short time to get all the short rows done and I can't believe I had the finished body sitting there for about six months when I could have just stopped procrastinating and got it done!</div>
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I really do like Cascade 220. I've knitted four garments with it, and I bung them in the washing machine on the wool cycle and then give them a blast on the highest spin cycle to dry them out a bit, and they are still perfect. Don't worry, I do dry them flat on a towel, and not in the tumble dryer. This yarn is very hardy but I don't think it could survive that!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9966130106/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9273585 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9273585" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9966130106_6121957e56.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I sewed velvet ribbon onto the backs of both button bands and it really helps to stabilise them and stop them pulling apart and gapping. I machine sewed buttonholes in the ribbon before sewing it on to the garment.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9966130096/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9273593 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9273593" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/9966130096_b5eef5d395.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I'm surprised at how much I like this cardigan. I didn't have a good feeling about it whilst knitting it, I suppose. I think I had a feeling it wouldn't fit. Also, I'd knitted it to a longer length than intended, totally by accident (lack of concentration). There is no excuse for that, as the cardi is knitted from the top down so you can try it on as you go (and I did!)</div>
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I have another cardigan finished but for the stabilising of the button bands, and another totally different one, waiting to be seamed.</div>
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I plan to get a bit of my shirtdress sewn this weekend, but you know how plans sometimes go awry...</div>
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Speaking of plans, I have so so many plans for sewing. I have written a list but will probably rebel against it. Maybe I have a problem (probably). I haven't mentioned that I have at least three sewn items that I haven't blogged but I will try to get around to that soon.</div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-79207998116181002052013-09-01T09:58:00.003-07:002013-09-01T11:52:15.274-07:00Colette Hawthorn Dress in Liberty: Mawston Meadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9644283345/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9013553 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9013553" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9644283345_cab26c22d0_z.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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Thank you for your comments on my Lola Dress. Sorry I haven't responded to them all; I have been on holiday in Cornwall.<br />
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Every time I see the photos of my Lola Dress (I use my blogroll to keep up with my fave blogs) I see how poorly it fits. It won't stop me from wearing it but next time I will be certain to make some alterations before cutting.<br />
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But now...here is my Colette Hawthorn dress. And the good news is I love it. Really love it! Luckily I had made the peplum blouse version so I had already checked out the pattern for fitting issues (there weren't any!). The skirt, being full, I knew would be fine. It would be extremely upsetting to waste two metres of Liberty lawn! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9644283223/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9013555 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9013555" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9644283223_407ec5b156_z.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I put this photo in as the skirt looks nice!</span></div>
Although I knew the dress would fit, I was a little anxious it would look frumpy on me. I do not want to look frumpy. As it happens, the dress does look a bit frumpy on the hanger but once I put it on I feel very feminine in it. Also I'm relieved to find that, although I made it with plenty of room in the waist (I probably could have taken out some of that ease) it's still flattering and doesn't make me feel like a sack of potatoes, which can happen easily, as I have quite a thick waistline. So, it's super super comfy, which makes a change as I usually cut everything too small (yes I know it's stupid).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9644283613/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9013566 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9013566" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9644283613_e9fcb3aa70.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Close-up of Mawston Meadow</span></div>
In these photos I'm wearing a petticoat with a little netting, which I think really accentuates the fullness of the skirt without making it look too dressy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8579255355/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221971 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221971" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8579255355_08f347ca66.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Petticoat: McCalls M6706</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9644283439/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9013556 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9013556" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/9644283439_8d46f2806a_z.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
This dress is so easy to make, I know I'll make another. Lots of buttons and buttonholes don't worry me, in fact I enjoy them. And the collar is very simple to put in, and the armholes are finished with bias tape, which is another thing I enjoy doing. All in all, a very pleasurable experience, in relation to making the dress, and wearing it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9644283533/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P9013552 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P9013552" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9644283533_9999074bf7.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-18934770198943952592013-08-12T06:57:00.003-07:002013-08-12T07:58:19.397-07:00Lola Dress by Victory Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9495197940/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8123093 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8123093" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9495197940_c6cbd37602_z.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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I made this dress a couple of weeks ago but haven't worn it because it has been too warm for it, it being summer. Even in the UK this dress won't be worn until the autumn. Because of this I forgot about it until I saw <a href="http://theperfectnose.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/pocket-full-of-posies-victory-patterns-lola-dior-yamamoto-meetup/" target="_blank">this one</a>, which is just fabulous in so many ways.<br />
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When I made this dress I used stash ponte, which I fully intended to be a wearable try-out sort of version, feeling that I would probably need to make some sort of petite adjustment, but not being sure exactly where or how. It's drafted for a person of (I think I remember) 5ft 6 to 5ft 9 (I am 5ft 2). On trying on the dress I felt I probably should have made it a bit closer fitting under the bust and a bit narrower all over. Definitely a bit shorter than it is. Seeing Perfect Nose's version confirmed this. That's okay...I am fully intending to make another, this time with fluffy sweatshirt fabric. I did get a sample from a company in Germany that has a great selection, but it was a little thinner than I would like. Back to the drawing board on that one. Anyway, back to the ponte I used for this version: it's a bit drapey but very stable. I think I could do without a bit of that drapiness. I want fluffy! The pockets havemore fabric in them - width-wise - than the side panels of the actual dress, and I'm not sure I like the way this fabric makes the pockets hang.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9492383987/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8123060 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8123060" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9492383987_ca34f052b7_z.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
The dress was very easy to put together, and to sew on an ordinary sewing machine. I don't have a serger but I would like one! I had to stretch the bejesus out of the bands, to get them sewn on to the much longer dress pieces, as I didn't use ribbing. But it worked out okay.<br />
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Princess seams are so much easier when working with a knit fabric. Yay for knit fabrics (sort of. We have a love-hate relationship). But in this case, when it came to the sewing, it was love! I think that's because the fabric is very stable for a knit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9495197830/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8123084 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8123084" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/9495197830_ee7364202c_z.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
I just wanted to make a small mention of my hat, which is knitted in a wool/silk blend called Amitola by Louisa Harding. I was such a quick knit - just a few hours - and will come in very handy in the winter (along with my other twelvty-thousand hats).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9495197768/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8123071 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8123071" height="318" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9495197768_c78c6a015b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9495198020/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8123095 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8123095" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/9495198020_a7c820b8bb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-18442765537989369912013-08-03T13:43:00.001-07:002013-08-03T13:43:41.580-07:00Colette Hawthorn Peplum Blouse<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9427797491/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8033049 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8033049" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9427797491_a23092ef6f_z.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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When Colette released the latest pattern, <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/hawthorn" target="_blank">Hawthorn</a>, I wasn't impressed. For some reason (<i>obviously</i> not paying attention to detail) I had thought it had a gathered waist, which most often make me feel - and look - like a sack of potatoes. But when I saw the many versions put forward for the Hawthorn competition I changed my mind. Not a waist gather in sight...that helped. I think it's a really cool dress, in the right fabric. I personally wouldn't like to make it in anything too twee.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9427797377/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8033046 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8033046" height="395" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9427797377_1bfe622796.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The picture on the wall is of my son having his cord cut at birth! We psyched the colours up to stop it being alarming/cringeworthy. </span></div>
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I wanted to make up the bodice to try the fit but couldn't be bothered with wasting time on a muslin I wouldn't be able to wear (I know, lazy!) so decided to use one metre of Liberty lawn that I'd had in my stash for ages and ages and which was supposed to be part of my next Macaron, to make the peplum blouse. I have never been a fan of the peplum, even in my teen years back in the eighties, but having recently bought one RTW I can see that they can be quite flattering and quite cool to wear with jeans.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9427797297/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8033045 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8033045" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/9427797297_870a0a74ce.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
I'm glad I made this top. In this version I cut a size 4, grading out to a size 6 waist. There is too much room at the waist, even though I chose it based on my measurement, but I didn't alter it as I did want this to be relatively loose to wear with various trousers. For my dress version I'll definitely cut a 4 all over. Actually I may go down to a 2, grading out to a 4 at the waist as there is rather more room all round than I would like. Also I'll shorten the front bodice to a 2, and the back to a 0 (there is always too much length in the back for me in every pattern). In this version I took out just a little bit more under the bust, in the darts, as it was a bit too roomy around the midriff. Made me look a bit matronly around the middle...I needed more definition under the bust area. Speaking of which: several people have commented that the points of the bust darts are a bit, um, pointy. I know what they mean, but I like the effect. It gives the bust a bit of a retro shape, although I don't think these photos show it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9427870029/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8033056 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8033056" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/9427870029_cacb1e0819.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
There was nothing tricky at all about the making of this blouse. The collar is very easy, both to make up and to insert. There is no hand sewing involved as it's sewn in between the actual blouse and the neck facing, instead of having to be turned under on the inside of the neck and slip stitched down. In this case I was happy, but I do quite like a bit of careful hand sewing now and then.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9427797039/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P8033038 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P8033038" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9427797039_7b2feab186.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
I finished the armholes with grey bias tape, and the hem, too. The buttons are turquoise ones from my stash, which I was glad to use up.<br />
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I am definitely going to make a dress version. My fabric is lined up - I just need the time to start pinning and cutting.Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-24558693393360671722013-07-26T08:41:00.001-07:002013-07-27T05:04:05.814-07:00Deer & Doe Chardon Skirt in Black Cotton Sateen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9359154024/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7242970 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7242970" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9359154024_44ced9e830.jpg" width="389" /></a></div>
Oh dear, once again I have made something black and it's really difficult to photograph. I promise I don't have any other black fabric soon to be sewn up and blogged!<br />
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Here is an overexposed photo so you can actually see the skirt:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9359153966/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7242974 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7242974" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/9359153966_aa394a3e10.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
This is the Chardon Skirt by Deer & Doe. I was surprised to find that Deer & Doe send their patterns from France to anywhere, postage free. How fab is that?!*******Edited to add: I was wrong! Deer & Doe offer extremely reasonable international postal charges, but it's PAPERCUT patterns who ship anywhere in the world FOC. <i>So</i> sorry about that mistake. I suddenly realised my error when a Papercut pattern arrived in the post this morning and jogged my memory!*******<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9359153820/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7242965 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7242965" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9359153820_b82d4772d7.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
The patterns themselves have lovely packaging, which always helps (!), and the pattern is printed on paper rather than tissue paper. <br />
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I seem to be choosing only quick makes recently as, along with the Anna Dress, this was crazy quick to make. I mean, seriously fast. It's two rectangles with pleats, and a facing. Oh, and ties or belt loops. And a zip. I made option B (the longer version) but with the ties from option A instead of the belt loops.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9359153864/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7242978 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7242978" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9359153864_782972cd83.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
My hem is level even though it looks terribly wonky.<br />
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I made the size 40, which is for a 28.5" waist (my exact measurement), thinking if it was too big I would be able to pull it in a bit with the tie. It's definitely too big, even with 2cm taken out. Next time I would make the next size down. I'm not sure if the fact that my cotton sateen (from Truro Fabrics) has a little give has anything to do with this; it's not stretch sateen though.<br />
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I like the way the pattern says to topstitch along the sides of the pleats to keep them in place. But I was surprised to find there was no mention of understitching the facing at the waistline. Without topstitching, the facing wants to pop out of the top of the skirt. A beginner wouldn't know to do this, so it would be helpful to have it in the instructions. Unless I've been a total donkey and missed it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9359596730/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7242985 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7242985" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9359596730_801ee56398.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
I like this skirt a lot and may make another. But good grief, I have so much stuff I want to make.<br />
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Right now I'm working on a Victory Patterns Lola Dress in bright blue knit. I sometimes find knits tricky...let's see what happens!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9359153698/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7242964 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7242964" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/9359153698_a34361ea35.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-45960827488439480562013-07-23T11:41:00.000-07:002013-07-23T11:42:50.800-07:00By Hand London - Anna DressThanks for your comments on my red shorts. I have worn them a lot already and I have a yellow pair in the pipeline.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9352672902/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7232953 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7232953" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9352672902_5f39efc2b7_z.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
As you can see, I finished my<a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/anna-dress" target="_blank"> Anna Dress.</a> I hadn't seen this pattern until I visited the <a href="http://www.sewbox.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sewbox</a> online shop for something-or-other. As soon as I saw it I bought the pattern. Not because I want to make every single By Hand pattern there will ever be, just for the sake of it, but because I really like the style.<br />
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I made it in an embroidered eyelet fabric I had in my stash, but I didn't have enough for the long version, which is the one I wanted to make. I still think I would prefer the longer version and will make it as soon as I have the fabric. Having said that, I do really like this dress a lot, even though it's not the long version. I chopped about 9 cm off the length of this, as it was a frumpy in between length on me otherwise.<br />
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This is such a quick make, it really is. It didn't take me much more than a couple of hours. As usual for By Hand, this pattern is well drafted, and comes together perfectly. I would like to make a couple more of these. This is a simple but stylish dress that skims the body in just the right places! The armholes are roomy enough to be cool but not enough to show my undies, and I really like the shape of the sleeves a lot. The best bit, though, are those pleats under the bust. Just look! Perfect. Actually, I might make a top out of the bodice. Hmm...<br />
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I took so many photos, trying to get some detail to show in the black fabric. In the end, I had to put the dress on my dress form and photograph it in my undies, after some jiggling with the camera light metering.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9352690118/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7232960 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7232960" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9352690118_e07f2e93cb_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Here are some more photos:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9352672722/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7232947 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7232947" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/9352672722_5565e0ba1e_z.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9352672706/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7232941 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7232941" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9352672706_65fc77250f_z.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
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Sucking everything in for a (sort of ) side view!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9352672658/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7232940 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7232940" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9352672658_9e202d8734.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-68869805410896910672013-07-21T08:24:00.003-07:002013-07-21T13:54:41.197-07:00Colette Iris Shorts in Red Cotton DrillHi everyone!<br />
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I am just in the middle of making a By Hand London <a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/anna-dress" target="_blank">Anna Dress</a> (a very quick make!), having discovered it by chance, and thought I'd make a very quick post about these red shorts in between, which I made on Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9333339099/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7212926 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7212926" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/9333339099_359672d851_z.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9333339393/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7212936 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7212936" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/9333339393_a69a3d29d8_z.jpg" width="523" /></a></div>
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I have made the <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/iris" target="_blank">Iris</a> shorts <a href="http://theknittingprincessandthepea.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/colette-iris-shorts.html" target="_blank">before</a> so, having (eventually, with much gnashing of teeth) got the fit how I wanted it, I just made a paper copy of my original muslin, and off I went. Gosh, these are quick to make, by which I mean just a couple of hours from start to finish. This time I didn't put the pockets in because I didn't like the way they pulled open.<br />
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I like these shorts so much; I think they're pretty smart, so I would wear them anywhere I wouldn't usually consider wearing shorts. They are a great length: they stop just before my thighs get a lot more meaty! Also, they aren't tight, which means they are comfortable. I have eaten toast, watermelon, a home-made strawberry and banana and ground flax milkshake, home-made golden syrup cake, a packet of crisps...you get the picture...and they are still comfy, though a little more expanded in the tummy area! Sorry they look a bit creased, but I'd been sitting down in them for some time before taking the photos.<br />
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I am going to make a yellow drill pair next.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9338644198/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7212905 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7212905" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9338644198_56389835c7_z.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
I know some people say life is too short to mess around with patterns that need a lot of fitting to get right, but I'm really glad I persevered with these. They are my fave shorts ever!<br />
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Just please don't be upset my my terribly knobbly knees!<br />
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Will post my Anna Dress v soon.Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-36198440470977284172013-07-08T05:05:00.001-07:002013-07-08T05:05:22.658-07:00Vogue 8184...again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9239643542/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7062856 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7062856" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/9239643542_08407e64a3_z.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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I have been gone a while as I have had much decorating to do, including huge curtains to sew. I really intensely dislike making curtains but the feeling of achievement when they're finished (not to mention the relief) makes it worth it!<br />
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Thank you for your comments on my tartan Elisalex. I really enjoyed making that dress (and wearing it).<br />
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I made this latest version of Vogue 8184 back in March and then forgot about it, and Saturday was the first time I'd worn it, the British weather being what it is. It's made from quilting cotton, as indeed are all my other versions of this pattern. I feel that the fabric, along with the boning (or in my case, plastic rigilene), gives much needed structure to the bodice. All my versions also have self-lined bodices.<br />
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What can I say about this that I haven't said before! I do love this pattern; it fits me perfectly with no alterations, it's fitted without being uncomfortable. In fact it's very comfortable. And it's such a quick make as well. It might be strapless (something I didn't think I would wear much), but it's a definite wardrobe staple for me, for summer. I could happily live in these dresses and probably will.<br />
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One thing, and it's my own mistake: having spent ages choosing which planets to put where, I didn't notice that I had doubled up on the ringed planet at the waistline until the dress was made, and now it drives me mad. Oh well, hopefully I have learnt to be more careful in future. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9239643492/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P7062852 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P7062852" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9239643492_98f2caf591_z.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-20104125188583368612013-06-11T14:09:00.001-07:002013-06-11T14:46:02.124-07:00Anna Chocola of Brighton Burlesque Hat, V8812 Jacket and Elisalex in Tartan Silk Dupion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9016783930/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6112777 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6112777" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9016783930_cdb61f6442_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9016784302/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6112773 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6112773" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8135/9016784302_d23bf7bf1c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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As you may be aware, my brother was getting married and I was planning to make another Elisalex but this time in tartan silk dupion. Well, here it is!<br />
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I waited for Charlie and Nick to take themselves off to Birmingham for a Rush concert and, knowing I had from 3pm until at least half-past midnight, got down to work. I only got about half of the dress finished that day; there was a lot to do, including quite a bit of hand sewing.<br />
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The dress shell is a tartan silk dupion (as you may have noticed!) The skirt is underlined with silk dupion, too, in a plain navy. The effect of the two silks is that the skirt is full of body, yet still soft and easily manipulated; it can be scrunched into a shape and remain there, yet has no creases at all once it's smoothed back flat. At the same time, it seems weightless. I love it! I think all my clothes may be made in silk from this moment on! The bodice is lined, as per the pattern, and I used a red cotton lawn for it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8994342595/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="P6082585 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6082585" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/8994342595_c9dd5b438e.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8994342481/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6082583 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6082583" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8135/8994342481_075761e563.jpg" width="190" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8994342541/" title="P6082584 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6082584" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/8994342541_4ec31ff689.jpg" width="171" /></a><br />
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As I certainly have no plans to show this dress even a drop of water, and would rather avoid dry-cleaning it every five minutes, as that can be a bit of a hit and miss process when it comes to silk dupion, I made some self-fabric dress shields, with two layers of the red cotton inside them, for extra freshness! The dress shields are a crescent shape and are hand-sewn into the lower armscye with a simple running stitch to make removal easier for washing. The idea is that the shields lay next to the skin, thereby keeping the underarm area of the garment fresher, and will be removed after each wear, and washed in soap and water. Once laundered they will be sewn back into the dress. I did the same thing with the little jacket.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9017978312/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6112766 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6112766" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/9017978312_6a1d4351b1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you will see (above) the dress shields are sewn in to extend by about 3mm.<br />
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I think it's probably normal practice to conceal hem stitches as much as possible (or is that not the case?) but I love to see the stitches that took me so much time (and I enjoy the hand sewing) and so I don't hide them inside the hem (although I don't want them showing on the outside - only the inside of the garment!) Here they are:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9016784140/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6112775 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6112775" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9016784140_d37c380ab1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And I sewed the zip in by hand, too:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9017978702/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6112760 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6112760" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9017978702_1b779761aa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The jacket is the little bolero from <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8812-products-22894.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V8812</a>. It was so simple to make, being just fronts and back, sleeves, and facing. It has shoulder pads, which contribute to the 1940s shape (it's a pattern from 1940). The jacket fits really well - it's like a little cocoon on the body, without being in the least bit restrictive. I would like to make it again in a more practical fabric than the silk dupion I used this time. Oh, and the back is underlined in red cotton lawn, the fronts in the same navy dupion. </div>
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I must talk about my hat. Isn't it just lovely? I bought it on ebay from Anna Chocola, who makes the most interesting - exquisite - hats and headpieces and sells them on Etsy and <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/annachocola/m.html?item=140886785690&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562" target="_blank">ebay</a>. She also has a <a href="http://annachocola.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. When this hat arrived I can't tell you how pleased I was to see it was as beautiful in the flesh as it looked in the photo. And when being worn, it's so comfortable you forget it's there. I might take to wearing it out shopping, with jeans. It seems such a shame to pop it back in its pink tissue paper and leave it to languish in the wardrobe for ever and ever.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/9016783412/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6112776 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6112776" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9016783412_086959807f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The main part of the hat is in royal blue velvet, with a marine themed ribbon around the outside. The bow is of red silk and the whole thing has a navy net overlay. And look at that anchor button! This is a beautifully made hat, inside and out.</div>
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Here are some photos of my outfit in action:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8995906878/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6082662 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6082662" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/8995906878_65f2fedcf7_n.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8995907000/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6082663 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6082663" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/8995907000_a71b05fdf3_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8994342661/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P6082586 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P6082586" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/8994342661_2a56d5f924_n.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-9889789540663296762013-05-24T08:58:00.000-07:002013-05-24T09:01:00.173-07:00Two Colette Laurel Dresses in Liberty Lawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8803495721/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5242437 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5242437" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/8803495721_42d55c2c13_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When the Laurel dress pattern first became available I was completely uninspired by it for two reasons: I didn't think the shape would suit me and I thought it looked a bit <i>boring.</i> First, I found out I was wrong about the boring bit. This dress is definitely as interesting as you make it and, having decided I'd give the pattern a go, I found I was wrong about the shape not suiting me at all. I still think there are other silhouettes that suit me more, but the Laurel is better on me than I expected.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8813615064/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="100_8124 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="100_8124" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/8813615064_740b61bcb5.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8813615404/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="100_8113 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="100_8113" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/8813615404_69c745c66a.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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It was almost impossible for me to get any decent photos of this dress today, as it's been raining all day long, heavily, and it's so, so dark AND 7°C out there. Seriously, it may be cosy and atmospheric, but it's also <i>crazy</i>. I mean...it's May.</div>
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I had read that some people had had a few fitting issues with this dress. I soon found out I was one of them. In the past I found I am a size four in Colette patterns, except for on the waist where I usually grade up to a six. Because this dress is obviously not fitted at the waist I went for a four all round. On making up a muslin I discovered that there was an incredible excess of fabric across the upper back. To get around this I extended the back darts all way up to the neckline and ended up taking out 6.5 cm in total (see altered pattern below). That is a lot. The dress still slips on with no back closure, no problem. The second thing was that for some reason the shoulder seam needed moving towards the front by 1.5 cm. Odd. I have never come across that before.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8803494987/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5242428 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5242428" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8803494987_4cebf56678.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8803495951/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5242438 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5242438" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/8803495951_2ed39f4793.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Anyway, once these alterations were made, the dresses came together so quickly. I really do enjoy finishing edges with bias tape, and I'm so used to it now that I don't ever use pins, let alone basting! It really takes only several minutes to lay the tape on, sew it, press, fold and press, sew again...done! And it looks great.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8803496185/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5242439 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5242439" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/8803496185_bebb59b8ea.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I would make loads of these dresses as they are so easy to throw on (and they look great on dog walks, with wellies and a little cardi) but I have so many other new and interesting things I want to make, there just may not be time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8804115033/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5242433 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5242433" height="287" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/8804115033_f1ee6461f0_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8803495549/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5242434 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5242434" height="295" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/8803495549_bde3e9bab3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-57697494563959798052013-05-20T07:38:00.002-07:002013-05-20T13:13:43.976-07:00Victoria Blazer - By Hand London<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8755389314/" title="P5192383 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5192383" height="463" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/8755389314_1f09066a1d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Having made the <a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/elisalex-dress" target="_blank">Elisalex</a> twice, and being of the opinion that it's a great little pattern, I was quite keen to make up the latest offering from By Hand London: the <a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/victoria-blazer" target="_blank">Victoria Blazer</a>. So, I did, as soon as it arrived.<br />
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I made it up on Saturday, from a very soft and oddly silky denim from <a href="http://www.ourpatternedhand.co.uk/our-shop-fabrics.asp" target="_blank">Our Patterned Hand</a>, and lined it with a cotton poplin I bought ages ago, and which was languishing in my stash, way down the pile.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8755344792/" title="P5192384 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5192384" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/8755344792_e70791bea0_z.jpg" width="228" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8755389352/" title="P5192380 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5192380" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/8755389352_b3a9c7962b_z.jpg" width="226" /></a>
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This pattern makes up very quickly, and I really did enjoy it. Every single piece fitted together so perfectly. I kept thinking, this is the bit where it will all go wrong. I bet this won't fit like it should (just the pessimistic side of me!) but everything was perfect: the front/collar dart (with some rather aggressive snipping!), the collar and lapel pieces, the lining and shell, the sleeves, the cuffs - everything. And that reminds me: the sleeve head has the perfect amount of ease in it. Seriously, I have never before managed to ease a sleeve in without getting some pesky gathers in there somewhere. But these...not a gather in sight.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8755369984/" title="P5192396 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5192396" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/8755369984_f19dcefe5b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Unless the collar and lapels are left standing up, and not folded back, the lining is always going to be readily visible, so that should be taken into consideration when choosing something suitable.<br />
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I would make this jacket again, maybe in a fabric with a bit more body.<br />
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Edited, to add: In fact, with the collar and lapels folded back, the lining only shows glimpses of itself. In the photos I have purposely folded mine right back to show the lining but I had forgotten. Still, better to choose a lining you are fond of, as it will show itself sooner or later!Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-86394301873096941552013-05-14T09:11:00.003-07:002013-05-14T09:19:01.222-07:00 Michael Miller Eiffel Towers By Hand London Elisalex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8737505767/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5142308 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5142308" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8737505767_d916d1bbc6_z.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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So, this is my second <a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/elisalex-dress" target="_blank">Elisalex</a> and if I look smug, it's because I love it. I have to tell you though, using the Michael Miller Eiffel Towers fabric wasn't my idea. I just happened to have it in my stash when I saw the wonderful <a href="http://dollyclackett.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/hunting-season-on-me-is-over-and.html" target="_blank">Roisin's dress</a> and obviously, shameful though it is to copy someone outright, it seems I couldn't stop myself and had to make my own, albeit in a different colourway (actually I prefer Roisin's). Thanks to Roisin for being so gracious about it, and not minding me copying her and then posting the dress on my blog. </div>
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Right. I had mentioned that in this version I might take a little off the shoulders, and it ended up being about 5mm on each seam (equalling 10mm per shoulder). As there was enough gapping in the armscye - above the bust - to show my bra straps, I took a little out of the princess seams above the bust. There is still a <i>little</i> gapping but I didn't want to end up taking so much out that it would restrict movement. It's that old fitting chestnut again: striking the correct balance between it looking like it fits and being comfortable to move around in. I think I have got it right in this dress, with very little effort.</div>
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Now that I have the fit right, I could make up this dress very quickly indeed. And that's even allowing for matching the pleats up with all the seams perfectly. Mine do match utterly perfectly, all round. So does the waist seam at the back. When I make anything with any kind of pleat, or indeed anything that has to match up - seam-wise - I always pin the pleat in place and then pin the skirt to the bodice to see how everything lines up, and then make any adjustments necessary. I also do that before inserting a zip. I pin the waist seam together at the back, to make sure the neckline edges don't need adjusting. I take every precaution I can think of, in order to avoid seamlines that don't match up. I didn't used to...it's just something that has evolved over time, due to shoddy things happening in the past.</div>
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This dress is lined with black medium weight lawn, which I enjoyed hand-sewing at the waist and zip edges whilst sitting in from of the TV with the rest of the family. I do like a bit hand sewing. I find it very satisfying.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8737788479/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5142343 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5142343" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8737788479_83158e1e3f_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The hem is finished with black satin bias binding, and my seams have been turned back on themselves and sewn but I don't know what that's called! Oh, and I top-stitched around the neckline and the arms.</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8738718904/" title="P5142310 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5142310" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8738718904_153226d242.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8737505665/" title="P5142301 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5142301" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8737505665_b4e4dd5b9d.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8737505821/" title="P5142309 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5142309" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8737505821_1c341a9167.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
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I will wear this dress a lot. Usually I fall into the trap of making my dresses uncomfortably "fitted" (!) at the waist, in an effort to make them look more flattering (delusional). Yes, well. It doesn't work, and the dresses are a bit uncomfortable to wear (STUPID!) The Elisalex is so flattering, due to its emphasized hip area, that I actually made the waist a comfy size and it still looks brilliant. Yay! for Elisalex. This is a brilliant pattern, it really is.</div>
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Now I just need to make the tartan silk dupion version and not mess it up. I already have a little sailor-themed burlesque pillbox hat to go with the dress, so there is no going back.</div>
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Have you seen the <a href="http://shop.byhandlondon.com/product/victoria-blazer" target="_blank">By Hand London Victoria</a> pattern? I might like the photos of it but I would be more likely to buy it if it had a line drawing to go with it. I like my line drawings...</div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-26709517461791471172013-05-09T07:51:00.003-07:002013-05-09T07:51:52.842-07:00By Hand London Elisalex Dress Muslin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8720281763/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5082252 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5082252" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/8720281763_907de11b0a_z.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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As usual, I have been sewing but not blogging about it.
Most recently I made a Colette Laurel dress, which I will blog soon(ish)and the above bright (understatement!) orange drill muslin of an Elisalex dress. I had wanted to make this pattern for a while as it's a bit like one of my faves, <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/22599" target="_blank">Vogue 8511</a>, only with the defining features a bit more pronounced, by which I mean the skirt is more bubbly and the princess seams on the bodice are a nicer shape. Oh, and the back is a bit more special, being cut in a lowish "v".<br />
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I wanted to shorten the skirt by quite a bit, as this does come up really really long, but I didn't want to lose the narrowness at the bottom, so I took a big chunk out of the "thigh" area. Once I'd smoothed off the sides, it did look a bit of a rounded shape for a skirt but I thought I'd see it through and I think it came out okay. I like the excess fabric and the way it drapes at the sides (actually, now I come to think of it, I did remove a bit more of the curve when it came to sewing).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8721392506/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P4302196 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4302196" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/8721392506_83f86477f6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I had to make a little extra bust room by increasing the curve of the princess seams by about a little under a centimetre. And when I make the real version of the dress (in tartan silk dupion for my brother's wedding) I think I'll take over a centimetre from each shoulder seam as it feels a little big there, and also across the top of the back.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8721392468/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P5072230 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P5072230" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/8721392468_259e5b8bdc.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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I know the fabric is ridiculously bright and it makes me look like a cadaver in some lights (not a flattering look) but I like it! The shape of the dress is just lovely and very easy to wear as the skirt is so loose below the waist at least.</div>
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I am about to make another one in a quilting cotton to double-check the fit before cutting my silk, so will post that as soon as it's finished.</div>
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Now I just have to post everything else I have made. Gosh I am a lazy blogger.</div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-22213382486020558372013-04-01T09:17:00.001-07:002013-04-01T09:36:46.849-07:00Burda 7250 Trousers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8610496324/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P4012017 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4012017" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8610496324_80dfde546f_c.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8610496616/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P4012022 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4012022" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8610496616_64de9bb9ce_c.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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Hello everyone!</div>
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Thank you for your comments on my carnival skulls skirt, and thank you as well for your best wishes. All is well here: my mother-in-law is getting better all the time and we are all happy.</div>
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I have made some trousers! <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-7354-burda-style-pants.aspx" target="_blank">Burda 7250</a>. How happy I am, reason being I have never made a pair of trousers I could ever be seen wearing (not even by myself, in the mirror!) I don't just have a problem making trousers that look okay on me; I have a pretty tough time finding any in the shops that I am happy with. I think I am an odd, square sort of shape. Also, as you know, I am short. I look all right in tight jeans but anything else...yuk. I like trousers though, so I was really determined to make some I could wear and be happy with. <a href="http://theperfectnose.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Perfect Nose</a> suggested Burda and, what can I say? She knows what she's talking about! Thanks, Perfect, if you read this, or even if you don't.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8609561355/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P4012025 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4012025" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8609561355_645423cf55.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8609561485/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P4012027 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4012027" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8609561485_0e5c67f325.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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So, these trousers are made of what was described in the ebay listing as "watermarked" cotton, but the fabric doesn't feel like cotton. It feels more synthetic. Whatever. I like it, anyway. I did make up a shorts-length muslin for these trousers, which was essential, as I found I had to make a size and a half larger on the waist, than for the rest. Also I shortened the trousers (in the thigh area) by about 6cm. Next time I think I will shorten the top part (waist to crotch) by around 1-2 cm and widen the waistband further, to allow the trousers to sit lower without making the crotch baggy. The other mod I made was to place the pocket openings lower down, as they were causing the sides of the trousers to stick out just below the waistband. The pattern would have the pocket openings start immediately below where the waistband is attached. But the fantastic thing for me is that, apart from making the waist a little wider and the leg a little shorter, I didn't have to mess about with any other part of the fit...yay!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8610496396/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P4012018 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4012018" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8610496396_3d6c72ba2e.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<i>(Yes, well, this is what I look like when caught unawares, trying to do something about my hair and not holding in my stomach!)</i></div>
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This pattern was so simple to put together. I do really like putting in a mock-fly zip, so that added to the enjoyment! </div>
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I will definitely make these again, perhaps in some really nice soft denim I have.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8610496558/" title="P4012020 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P4012020" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8610496558_7c321f2929.jpg" width="206" /></a>
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Before I go, I must just say that, yes, my hair is a right mess (exactly as it was when I woke up this morning, hehe!) and I have done no "styling" at all for these photos! I just threw my jeans off, put these trousers on and got to work! Just so you know...I was in such a hurry to take some photos so that they didn't join the queue of other sewing waiting to be blogged.</div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-48010426966747162332013-03-22T08:40:00.004-07:002013-03-22T09:09:21.859-07:00McCalls M6706<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8579255047/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221944 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221944" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8579255047_f5ae7c7ea9_z.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
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Hello everyone!<br />
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Thank you everyone, for your comments on my black dress.<br />
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Although I have been gone for ages, I have done quite lot of sewing.<br />
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A lot has happened around here since I last posted: my mother-in-law had open heart surgery, which didn't initially go according to plan (but she's now recovering well), Nick's closest friend (of more than forty years) unfortunately died (we were expecting it, but it was still a very sad occasion), and I had to have an op on my eye, as I got something stuck in it. This all happened in the first week of March. Instead of making me feel depressed (depression being a totally different thing to feeling sadnes, of course), times like that seem to really bring home the fact that anything can happen at any time, and we'd better blooming enjoy ourselves while we can!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8580483074/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221953 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221953" height="376" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8580483074_6d6c9cb35d_z.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Here is my McCalls M6706 skirt, made in Calaveras quilting cotton by Alexander Henry. It only took about 1.3 m. Here is the line drawing:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8580367256/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Print by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="Print" height="274" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8580367256_9f4356bfa1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I have never enjoyed making a skirt more! The skirt came together so quickly. First you sew the rectangle of the front and back together, then insert the zip. Next you baste the pleats in place - this probably took longer than anything else, as I basted them to about four inches down, on both sides of each pleat - and then you attach the waistband (I love slipstitching things like waistbands and plackets, especially now I have an "old person's" spotlight aimed over my shoulder, behind the sofa, so I can sew in front of Masterchef or whatever). I really did like the look of the skirt with the top of the pleats stitched in place, so I may make another, but in a silk taffeta or something, with a matching top (weddings to attend!) but leave the pleats partially stitched.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8579255091/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="P3221951 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221951" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8579255091_c6f459b0c7_n.jpg" width="172" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8579255289/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221963 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221963" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8579255289_e8b412aff4_n.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8579255139/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221960 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221960" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8579255139_8b20aea5b6_n.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
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Underneath, I am wearing my petticoat, which was made from a piece of silky black lining fabric, and some very stiff net. The stiff net is perfectly fine, but I have just bought some soft, bridal quality net for next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time! I already have the fabric. I so enjoy wearing this skirt, with the petticoat just giving it a bit more oomph. Next time I might go for <i>lots</i> more oomph, if I can be bothered with gathering up all that net, which I found a little tiresome. Net is a weird thing to hand sew. It totally has a mind of its own...keeps slipping and wriggling all over the place. Having said that, the petticoat didn't take more than about an hour and a half from start to finish.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8579255355/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221971 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221971" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8579255355_08f347ca66.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have also made a cowl-neck maxi dress from knit fabric, denim halter dress, and a strapless dress, amongst other things. Will blog about them asap.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8580482994/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P3221940 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P3221940" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8580482994_6647fddb28_z.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-70256750737472980502013-02-20T06:57:00.002-08:002013-02-20T15:01:19.572-08:00Sew Serendipity Sabrina Tunic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8492201448/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2201857 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2201857" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8492201448_e1b2e98a87_z.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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With my right hand I am typing and drinking a green smoothie. But my left is busy playing with Pickle, and her ball. Good grief, the noise of this squeaky ball is intense. Maybe it's worse for me as I have hearing aids, or maybe it's that bad for everyone. Pickle doesn't mind; she's having fun.</div>
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Here is another black dress that is difficult to photograph with any clarity of detail (and another in the pipeline). Part of the pleasure of making my own clothes is derived from working with fabrics that are visually interesting or beautiful, which usually means colourful. So, if I make a garment in black it means I want it to be useful, and plain often means more versatile.<br />
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This sleeveless dress is made in a soft, fluid, draping black linen (at present I'm wearing a sheer top under it). It creases like crazy, which is why it looks a bit crumpled in the photos. I would show you a line drawing of the pattern but can't find one. The pattern comes in three lengths: tunic, above-knee dress (my version), and below-knee dress. There are bust darts, and no waistband. The bodice finishes just under the bust. The zip is centre-back and there are neck and armhole facings. The skirt is an A-line shape. It is unlined.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8492201478/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2201864 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2201864" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8492201478_dbd33f37e6.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
This dress was very quick and easy to make indeed. And it took only one metre of fabric. I don't usually like facings but now I pin them in place first, so I can stitch them to exactly the right length (for some reason if I sew the ends together first, the facing is never the right length!), I get along with them much better. I thought I would get away with no alterations to the fit whatsoever but, once I tried the dress on with the skirt part attached (I had made a muslin of just the bodice, which took about ten minutes), I could see that, on my shape in particular, I needed the bodice to be much closer fitting under the bust, otherwise it looked like a maternity dress. Obviously, that effect is alleviated if you choose to make the crossover tie belt, as suggested, but I didn't quite have enough fabric for that. So, I pinched about 3/4 of an inch pleats both sides, under the dart points, and it worked perfectly.<br />
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In the summer this dress will be so perfect for a hot summer's day. I think I will make another, more brightly coloured one.<br />
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Thank you very much to Fiona at <a href="http://chainstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chainstitcher</a> for nominating me for the Liebster Blog Award. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8491460529/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2201878 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2201878" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8491460529_75ab7aa32a_z.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8491460569/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2201881 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2201881" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8491460569_e88fc1e922_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-85545993162436070762013-02-14T09:56:00.005-08:002013-02-14T10:45:53.335-08:00Vogue 1258...Thanks to Evie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few months ago, <a href="http://pendlestitches.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Evie</span></a> very generously gave me this beautiful stretch crepe, having posted it on her blog as being available to anyone that wanted to give it a home! Having been immediately smitten as soon as I laid eyes on it, I was very lucky to get it before anyone else did.</div>
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I eyed it on and off ever since it arrived in the post (a few months ago, I think, although I can't be sure, as time seems to fly every time I so much as blink). Honestly, I liked it so much...the retro geometric look of it, the feel (my fave type of stretch fabric), the drape...I didn't want to ruin it by using it for something that either went totally wrong, or went right but didn't suit me. I was planning to play it safe and make yet another Vogue 2091 DKNY dress (you know how I love that pattern). Thing is, I knew I would be much happier if I made a bit more effort and really did it justice.</div>
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So, here is Vogue 1258! Gosh, I love it. The whole time I was making it up, right from the cutting and marking of the fabric, I was expecting it to go all wrong. But I decided that I would take it second by second, and step by step, and not worry about it along the way. So, by the time I had reached the end, and was hemming the skirt, I was kind surprised to find nothing had gone wrong, though some of it felt a bit risky at the time. I'm talking about all those pleats, which converge at the centre front, and the sleeves, which did go wrong, but which I somehow still got to look good.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8472929741/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2121832 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2121832" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8472929741_654e3ed32c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But weirdly, the whole thing was a very quick make indeed, the fabric behaved itself, the pleats were easy and all the pieces fitted together perfectly. I mentioned the sleeves; I had to leave the actual sleeve/cuff off altogether, and just hem the edge of where it should have been attached (I couldn't get it to sit right where I had clipped diagonally on a corner). Here is the line drawing so you can see what you are looking at!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8473166787/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="V1258 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="V1258" height="295" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8473166787_8bed8d0198.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8472929667/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2141846 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2141846" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8472929667_e41b6db15a_z.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8472929625/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="P2141842 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2141842" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8472929625_efff7f1791_z.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The upper front and upper back are sewn together and between them make a long tie. There are quite a few pleats which drape from the centre front, as I mentioned earlier, and they are hidden under the tie. The skirt is narrow at the lower edge, with no vent. And yippee, the whole thing just pulls on over one's head!<br />
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The only thing I altered, apart from the sleeves, was the neckline, which I raised by a couple of inches or so, otherwise it would have been unwearable for me.<br />
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Would I make this again? Yes! Undoubtedly. I want to make millions of them in every colour. It's the new Vogue 2091!<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you, Evie, for your generosity.</i></span> I am so glad I didn't play it safe!<br />
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-79664636100840408172013-02-11T06:12:00.002-08:002013-02-11T07:43:51.126-08:00Sewaholic Hollyburn Skirt and Sirdar 8486Hello!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8453407386/" title="P2071808 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2071808" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8453407386_da402f8fa8_z.jpg" width="263" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8453407330/" title="P2071783 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2071783" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8453407330_0b2934afe5_z.jpg" width="298" /></a>
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Thank you for your comments on my jumper, skirt and shirt.<br />
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Oh dear, it looks like me with my really huge, giant twin in the photos above. Let's just say photos aren't my strong point!</div>
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Here are two more things I have made recently, the first being the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1206-hollyburn-skirt" target="_blank">Sewaholic Hollyburn</a> skirt, above. I made it in black needlecord so it's not showing up very clearly in the photos (what's new!) In the photo below, it looks grey, but it's definitely very black. I got the fabric from DC Fabric Traders on ebay and it's fantastic! I washed it and popped it in the tumble-dryer before cutting, and it's still gorgeous. It irons really well, too.</div>
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I am a totally different shape to the Sewaholic and Colette patterns and for that reason I wouldn't bother with anything too fitted (Thurlows, forget it, I'm afraid) but for this skirt (the longest option on the pattern) I didn't have to make any alterations at all, apart from cutting a size 6 on the waist and a 4 on the hip.</div>
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I really really like this skirt a lot; it's so easy to wear: it's comfy and goes with everything (looks especially fab with my Chuck sweaters). The skirt was ridiculously fast to make up, and very simple. I made the option with buttoned tabs, but no belt loops. The zip is in the centre back.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8453699896/" title="P2071829 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2071829" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8453699896_d486571635.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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There is no doubt I would like to make this skirt again, maybe in a shorter length.<br />
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The other thing I'm posting today is a jumper I knitted for Charlie. Charlie chose the colour himself, which his Dad and Grandpa dislike intensely (which makes it all the better, hehe!) After altering the white balance on the camera, this is a pretty accurate representation of the particular shade of purple. It's not at all a blue purple. I believe if I'm going to make something for Charlie he may as well like it, otherwise he will never wear it. But this jumper, he loves it, and calls it his "designer" jumper, for some reason. In his opinion, it's all the more special because I made it for him and he chose the pattern and the colour, too, so I couldn't be happier, and neither could he.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8453482148/" title="P2071817 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2071817" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8453482148_3d9026b0e3_z.jpg" width="638" /></a>
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I think this jumper took me about five or six weeks to knit. Apart from the sewing/seaming bit, I loved every minute (cables are my fave thing) and am in fact knitting him another in his second, more practical, colour choice of grey. It's taking ages as I'm also knitting a black HUGE version for Nick (my Other Half) and a cardi for myself.<br />
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The pattern for Charlie's jumper is <a href="http://www.sirdar.co.uk/designs/mens/sweatersMens/8486" target="_blank">Sirdar 8486</a> (this pattern goes from a 24" to a 46" chest) and the yarn is a much more "budget" yarn than I have ever used before but I like it a lot and, in fact, ordered some in a mixed brown for myself. It's Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Aran. It's lovely to knit with and it feels light and warm and woolly but it's 80% acrylic (or somesuch nonsense) but it's surprisingly good to look at, too. I haven't washed it yet, so time will tell!<br />
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Edited, to add: Charlie has just asked me why I have included our dog's bottom in the first photo. I hadn't realised...sorry! <br />
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Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741243.post-28628992026212032062013-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T07:58:33.425-08:00Another Chuck Sweater, Another Beignet and Vogue 8772<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8447760228/" title="P2051767 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P2051767" height="385" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8447760228_70bbe96976_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Despite having not been around on the blog for a while (though still lurking on others), I have been making stuff. Quite a few things, actually. Problem is, because I didn't document any of it at the time, I can't remember many details. I suppose that's not much different to the usual state of affairs around here, since I tend to post a pic and a (relatively) short description most of the time.<br />
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So, here I am, posting three of my recent-ish makes.<br />
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The first is another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chuck" target="_blank">Chuck Sweater</a>, but this time in red Cascade 220. I won't go into details, except to say I made the Small size but it could do with being smaller still (despite having a 35.5" bust measurement. That's me, not the sweater). And again, sorry it's a dark photo. Still having trouble on the old photo front.<br />
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Next up are tie-front shirt, Vogue 8772, and a green cotton drill Beignet skirt. I won't go into details on the Beignet skirt. I think it's my fourth one (I have a denim one I haven't blogged and, in fact, had forgotten about until now. I made it last July and still have never worn it - it's a bit tight). This skirt: it is what it is! I like it. It's useful. And, yes, I have a bow overload going on here.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peaprincess/8447760498/" title="P1251741 by Pea Princess, on Flickr"><img alt="P1251741" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8447760498_43e9833376_z.jpg" width="481" /></a>
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The shirt. Hmm. Yes, the shirt. It's one I wanted to make for ages, having made a couple of the <a href="http://theknittingprincessandthepea.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/mccalls-m6436-i-made-this-shirt-which.html" target="_blank">McCalls M6436</a> shirts, which are loose-fitting, where V8772 has a closer fit. It certainly does have a closer fit, and I wish I had kept that in mind when I made my muslin. Yes, I made a muslin but only checked the bust and the general width of the garment. I didn't make a complete muslin; I made a sleeveless shell, and didn't realise the shirt was actually a bit too long from shoulder down to bust. What I needed to do was take it up quite a bit at the shoulder seams, as I now have quite a bit of excess above the bust, which I am always pulling down and adjusting. I think that is the alteration I should have made, but I'm not sure. Because the photo was so hurried I'm afraid it doesn't show up. Other than that, the shape of the shirt itself is great. Quite form fitting but not too much so.<br />
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The instructions have you cut out the huge tie ends on the bias, which means the whole thing is very tricky to iron smoothly, without getting those horrid bias-y unruly things happening (if you get me). I'm wondering why one would need to cut the tie on the bias in the first place. Is there a reason for this?<br />
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I have quite a few more things to show you and will try to do that soon. Although I'm afraid the photos don't get any better!Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597601271517814085noreply@blogger.com8