Reindeer Shirt

 

I made up a shirt (a mash up of two patterns + some extras) in this fun reindeer print polycotton.

I only had 2 metres of narrow fabric so didn't attempt pattern matching, and the print is busy enough that it worked OK.

I used red thread and plain red buttons, and its really fun for the holidays.

recycled jeans Bestie bag

 This bestie bag was made from some old jeans which were worn through at the crutch (where a patch would've looked a bit odd) so they went into the denim box and after a while got cut up into a bag

I used this fun quilting cotton for the lining

And unpicked and resewed the back pockets onto the outsides of the bag.

I made a self strap. It required some hammering and wrangling with pliers to get it through the strap adjuster

Denim Bestie Bag

 Yes, I bought the pattern for the Bestie Bag and sewed it up.

The outer is a blue denim from an old self-sewn skirt. The lining is a craft cotton with an anchor print.

I used a striped webbing that was 1 inch (25mm) wide and a slider of the same size.

The pattern calls for 1.5" webbing, so I needed to increase the seam allowance slightly on the strap tab for it to fit neatly with my 1" webbing.

The instructions for this are good. I referred a little to the written instructions, but mostly followed along with the video, pausing it whilst I completed each step.

Sequin Wave Top

There was some fabric left over, so mindful of a small fault, I managed to squeeze out a top from the sequin wave jersey.

There wasn't enough fabric for even 3/4 length sleeves, so I cut them as long as I could and added a restrained frill for extra length.

I used my new favourite knit top pattern, the tee from New Look 6351 which I've altered to fit nicely.

I suspect a festive top will see more use then yesterday's slinky dress.

Sequin Wave Dress

 Here's my sparkly burgundy dress to wear as a guest to a wedding on Sat 20th December.

The back

The fabric (more realistic colour)

The pattern - New Look 6650

As before I made the 20 grading out for the tummy and hips to the 22. I raised the back neckline slightly, and scooped the front neckline. Instead of folding the fabric under and stitching for the neckline I drafted a narrow neckband and applied that instead. The neckline measured 25" and I cut a neckband piece that was 2 inches wide by 22 inches long.

The pattern has a short sleeve and a slightly longer short sleeve, so I extended the longer sleeve by 11" to give a full length sleeve.

I didn't cut the back on the fold, instead I added a seam allowance to the centre back and moved the split round to the back.

I sewed the ties on about 2 inches higher up than the pattern indicates as this is more flattering on my body shape.

It looks rather good for what is basically a tshirt dress!

'Tap to Party' Cowl Neck Top

This is the 'Tap to Party' Cowl Neck Top from my Handmade Wardrobe's Weekend Sewing Club.

I used a remnant of red polyester mix jersey fabric. I sized down to medium. But then graded up for the waist and hips. I also lengthened it a bit. As I have large upper arms neither sleeveless nor flutter sleeves were going to work, so instead used a knit sleeve from another pattern. I was a bit short on fabric so added cuffs to get the 3/4 sleeve length.

Plaid Totes

Current project is tartan tote bags to be used as Christmas gift bags. 

The fabric is a piece of wool tartan/plaid I've had since the Warrington days (15-20 years ago). 

It would have been suitable for an exercise in plaid matching to make a coat/jacket, but I wouldn't have worn it, so it is on its way to becoming 6 bags. 

I did debate ribbon trim to Christmas-ify them, but decided they'd probably get used more by the recipients if they were more classic. 

They are unlined with self fabric handles, so easy to fold and put in handbag/car etc.

Bolero jackets

I have been sewing. I altered two pairs of jersey RTW PJ trs (one plainnavy, one navy with tiny teal hearts). They had sewn in elastic which I unpicked and replaced with a casing and adjustable elastic with ribbon ends. That took a long time for something quite simple. I also made a little navy bolero jacket for my friend to wear over the blue RTW dress I shortened for her.

Then I shortened some velvet curtains for the same friend, and made tie backs from the bit I cut off.

I cut out a shirt for DH when he was out but haven't started sewing it

I made what I hope is the final bolero jacket. This little number from sequins and silver satin! I added a layer of flat piping made from the silver lining as the sequins are very scratchy (if pretty). 

The Jackets are all the same pattern, the little bolero jacket from Prima March 2009.