Earlier in the year I read this blog post
https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2023/11/free-pattern-friday-zipped-pouch-aka.html
and then went and got it from
After a good rummage in my zipper stash and quilting cotton scraps I was able to make quite a few zipped pouches in both sizes, which have mostly been given away as Christmas gifts
I have another one ready to go.....
I made a lovely lightweight dressing gown (aka bath robe) in 2016 and its been great for trips, especially when staying in other people's homes with shared bathroom facilities.
I can't find it, however, so presumably left it hanging on the back of a bathroom door on some trip.
Over Christmas we are staying with multiple family members, so I thought I could use another one.
The fabric is a red and white floral print polycotton. It was quite narrow but as I had plenty I was still able to get the robe out.
I don't love it as much as my earlier one, but it'll serve the purpose nicely!
Cheering up a grey day with some dopamine dressing, yes it's another polo neck top (turtleneck).
The fabric was from a closing down sale of a UK based online fabric store at the end of last year. It's a lovely quality viscose jersey
Once again I used I used OOP New Look 6008. I've altered the sleeve for a full bicep and the back piece for a high round back.
This is another dress for C, from the same flared skirt pattern.
I cut the back and back skirt on the fold and added side pockets. The sleeves are elbow length.
The jersey is quite weighty and has vertical stretch as well as horizontal, so I think we'll need to lift the waistline when she comes for fitting.
Next project is for me, a multicoloured jersey print on a taupe background. Its not even got cut out yet though so may be a while before that appears.
I was wearing one of my self sewn blouses. "That's a lovely blouse" says Sylvia, "Oh thank you!" I reply "I made it myself".
"Ah" says Sylvia "that reminds me I have a blouse in a similar style I cut out about 30 years ago...."
Long story about cutting out blouse, then broken sewing machine, eventually getting sewing machine fixed, couldn't find blouse bits etc. Anyway short version is I've brought the blouse home to sew up for her before Christmas!
Happily its all there
Already cut out - Front, back, sleeve, yokes, 2 part collar and cuffs - still with tissue pinned on
Also pattern envelope and instructions and the spare fabric, as well as matching buttons.
So it really is a kit for a blouse. All I needed to provide is some matching thread, some interfacing and then 'just' sew it up!
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A few months passed, I didn't really have any matching thread and procrastinated a bit, Sylvia found me a few spools of thread one of which worked perfectly.
The fabric turned out to be Viyella and frayed very badly with any handling so I was very careful when sewing up.
I threaded the overlocker in a neutral beige which was OK to stop fraying.
I spent the last few days carefully sewing it up, and am pleased and astonished to find it fits. No photo though of Sylvia wearing it.
Having had more of a think, Sylvia reckons she bought the fabric in 1982 when she couldn't find a cream bluse that she liked.
Sylvia came this evening and was delighted with the blouse, so a happy ending to the story!
As on several occasions, I used the version of Simplicity 9473 which we've extensively altered to fit her.
The fabric is still available at pound fabrics and was lovely to work with!
