Finalised plans

I am back from my trip, and managed this evening to cut out the Simplicity long cardi wrap and also the matching scoop neck top (with added sleeves) from the navy knit.
This was from so deep in the stash it really does have to count as being F*R*E*E by now. I have no recollection of where or when I bought it though.

I also decided what my other two pieces are going to be
- straight leg teal cord trousers in Simplicity 4638
- wide leg navy blue pinstripe trousers from Burda WOF 10-2008-132
(these are both very simple patterns with a waist facing and side zip which will be relatively simple to sew up)

To reduce my stress on the last day of the contest I have already written WIP review stubs on PR and linked them all to my master review. So when they are all sewn I only need to take photos, upload the photos and finalise the text, and then publish the reviews.

Another nice thing is that my Burda Style magazine arrived whilst I was away though I have only had a quick look so far.

Next project - Navy Simplicity 2603 Misses Knit Top and Cardi-Wrap

Simplicity 2603 Misses Knit Top and Cardi-Wrap

Not sure where the evening went to be honest. I got out my next project but decided it was too late to start cutting something so complicated (in layout at least if not construction).
However I established that my piece of navy knit from stash is 180cm wide (extra wide for some reason) and 3 metres long which is plenty for the long cosy but still needs the single layer layout. No idea where I shall cut out, I guess my usual space - a cardboard cutting board laid on a double bed - and I shall just have to keep moving the fabric to do each piece.
Hopefully there will be enough fabric over to also make a long sleeved version of the very cute knit top with a scooped neck which is also included in this pattern.
Hopefully cutting out will start Thursday evening when I get back from my work trip.

New Look 6757 nearly done

New Look 6757 are nearly completed. They need a press and the trouser legs need hemming to the right length but the whole facing/waistband/belt loops assembly is done, and the invisible zip has gone in nicely too.
I decided not to try to finish these tonight (which is always tempting) because its when you are tired that you make those stupid errors which completely ruin a project!

I made both the front and back waistbands slightly shorter and eased them to the trouser legs.
When I was constructing I attached the waistband main pieces to the front and back separately, tacked the side seam, tried on, before sewing the side seams permanently and putting the zip in.
This takes a bit longer but does mean the trousers have a chance to fit :D

I heard today that I need to go away with work for 2 days this week, which is all very well, except I lose 2 evenings sewing the wardrobe which was already super tight anyway (sigh), and I have major dental work on Friday which is likely to leave me very sorry for myself for several days afterwards.

I think it is safe to presume that I will press and hem these trousers tomorrow night (but not much more as I have baking to do), I then have a weekend and Monday night to do all the other pieces which is frankly not a lot of time to make two more bottoms and two more tops.

I am therefore thinking about throwing in one or two super easy pieces right at the end if needs must as it would be frustrating to get so close and fall at the final hurdle.
However I might decide that it has me beaten, we shall see!

Inspired by the sea: Trousers

Continuing my 'Inspired by the Sea' wardrobe, I have chosen to make New Look 6757 in a trouser weight navy herringbone fabric of unknown composition, though I am thinking quite a lot of poly + something else (maybe viscose/rayon?).

Anyway tonight I cut out (and slightly altered) the pattern, cut out the fabric and started sewing the trousers. Quite a long way to go yet, but I think you can get a bit of an idea what they might look like when they are done.

To keep on schedule I need to finish these tomorrow evening, but I think that is do-able.

Away for the Show

I have been away for a few days to go to the Knitting and Stitching Show with Yorkshire Lass. We had a fabulous weekend talking about sewing and buying sewing related stuff - fabric, patterns, sewing books, notions and wool (Jenni who also knits clever girl).

I had put some money aside, and di not really exceed my budget, so I am pretty pleased with all my goodies. I really need to sew from the expanded stash now. :D

Pictures show

Top: all the bags we carried back from the show (up a hill to the place the car was parked)

Middle: The bags unpacked, my stuff on left, YL's on the right.

Bottom: Closer shot of my goodies :D

PR Wardrobe Contest: Update

Well its the 18 November. I'm about to go away for 4 days and I am still only half way there.

The contest finishes on 30 November and needs to have:-
Total pieces required: 10
4 bottoms
5 tops
1 topper
and
All tops must go with all bottoms, and the topper must go with all outfits.
Minimum of one print fabric must be incorporated.

Of that I have made 1 bottom, so 3 still outstanding, these will be trousers from a TNT pattern.
5 tops, I have made 3, so want to do two more, a print top and a navy top which can be a wrap or an over layer.
1 topper - lined jacket completed.

Looks like I have about 8 days to sew those 5 pieces, write reviews for them and take photos. Must check if I have to model them all as that's tough to do, as it takes extra time to mess about with the timer and tripod. Weather is terrible so all indoor shots I think.

However I am up to date with the current reviews already and have written a master review for the links to go in and entered it already into the contest.
(I am always gutted for those people who write the summary at the last minute and don't get it in on time, I guess they don't know you can do a stub and edit it later.)

Stuff finished

Jacket with buttons and skirt with waistband/facing thingy. Been a productive few days which I am jolly pleased about. I have really enjoyed the sewing these last two weeks, it has been a great creative outlet and de-stressor.