Coral Pink Cowl Neck Top

I cut and sewed up this Coral Pink Cowl Neck Top today.
Its a wonderfully bright and happy Spring colour I am very pleased with it.
This is part of the Botanical Garden collection. It uses a modified version of the HotPatterns Cowl Neck Top pattern.

Fabric purchases

Today I went to the nearest fabric store which is about 15 miles away and had a good rummage.
Underneath one of the sections of furnishing fabrics I found a whole load of suiting and linings. All really nice quality, some seemed to be factory samples, others perhaps from a closed tailors shop. None of them were on bolts and they were many of them only 1.5 - 2m pieces.
The shop owner decided to charge me £1 per metre for these so in the end I came away with 23 metres of fabric. I suppose I ought to know better really as I have quite a good stash and am participating in the PR Stash contest at the moment, although the only garment I have made is the coral pink cosy on the previous post.

Today's purchases
75cm of chartreuse (yellow/green) slubbed silk (50p)
4m of mid brown striped lining (£4.00)
2m of dark brown lining (diamond weave pattern) (£2.00)
2.5m of  coppery brown lining (£2.50)
2m of dark brown pinstripe suiting (£2.00)
1.5m of black stripe suiting (£1.50)
2.5m of black stripe suiting (£2.50)
5m of dark navy suiting with darker and lighter stripes - v drapey, could be made into a work wrap dress or similar (£5.00)
3m of olive finely striped suiting (£3.00)
and 1.5m of ivory knit with black print (slightly art nouveau) (£1.50)
this has a fault which I will have to be careful how I cut out and layout to miss the fault and work the print with the garment.

P.S. Absolutely agree with Heather, in some cases this is a boring looking haul - nice linings, classic suitings, one print knit, but its all stuff that can be sewn up and worn in my everyday life. I love striped trousers.
I would like a little top/jacket out of the chartreuse silk, but not sure if there is enough of it.

P.P.S. Jenny the shop is very hit and miss. This was a hit obviously, but sometimes its all just polyester nonsense. Lots of things are not priced, and it depends which person serves you as to the prices. I saw the owner, and he obviously wanted me to buy this stuff he thought would be hard to shift. They buy up rollends from manufacturers, and stuff from closed businesses and sell it cheaply, but its really variable. Normally the only have poly lining at £2.50 p metre and poly satin for bridesmaids dresses and fleece. Plus lots of home dec. I bought really nice knits there last year but never seen them again - so another one off.
It is T.P. Textiles in Warrington, Cheshire.

Pink cardiwrap

I'm not normally a pink person. I know some women love pink, and embrace it in all its girliness, but I don't like it becuase of being girly and also becuase cool pinks make me look really ill. Coral pink however, as long as its strongly pigmented enough, is actually a good colour for me, and I have just switched to having a pink phase :-)
You know how it is once the serger and sewing machine are threaded you are reluctant to change them - so expect a few more pink pieces before I get pinked out.

I think the pink is reaction to sewing lots of sensible olive and ivory, and wanting something which said 'Spring' even though it is icy. Anyway this top is a pink flower in the Botanical garden :D

SWAP progress report

Well its about a month since we started SWAP sewing, (Sewing started on 26th Dec and can continue to 30th April) so I thought I would do an interim progress assessment.
So we are roughly a quarter of the way through the sewing time, and I have two SWAPs on the go. Let's see how they are getting on.

Amber Glow
This was my original SWAP plan and is in dark chocolate brown with red-orange, gold and ivory. This is all designed to be worn with amber jewellery I received as gifts for Christmas and my birthday.

So far I have made a pair of striped trousers, and a lot of tops. Looking through the tops, the animal print one is a maybe, the ivory cowl neck is in definitely. The mock wrap top was just recut from a too big version, so doesn't count as not made from scratch within the timeframe.  The red-orange cowl neck is lovely, but does use the same pattern as the ivory one (is that too boring?). The scoop neck top with beading is definitely in. The red-orange cami and cardi-wrap may or may not be in.

So that is one bottom, 2 tops that are in and 3 tops that are maybes. 3 pieces out of 11 in on target for one month in.

I have been wearing all the pieces from this, with the trousers getting worn every week with various of the tops.

Botanical Garden
This is a 4 trousers SWAP and although I planned to do it all from stash I have bought some extra knit fabrics to use with this SWAP. The colours in this are dark olive, lime, strong warm pink and ivory inspired by bright flowers against dark green foliage. The ivory pieces will I think be interchangeable between both SWAPs and also with lots of other pieces.

So far I have made a pair of wide leg lined wool trousers, and a straight leg striped pair, an olive top with bamboo design in spring green and yesterday's ivory top. All of these will definitely be included.

So that is two bottoms and two tops. 4 pieces out of 11 is slightly in advance of target for one month in.

I have worn the wool trousers, but so far none of the other pieces (in part because two have only just been finished).

Forecast
So I am definitely on target with the sewing so far, although I have not really tackled anything very complex - for instance the lined Vogue dress I have planned for Amber Glow, or any jackets. I also know that February in particular I have some additional weekend work, and that generally February and March will be busy at work. I shall just have to make what time I do have count :-)

Botanical Garden: Cream knit top

Cream knit top - adapted from Jalie cross over top.
I had some trouble sewing this knit with the normal sewing machine until Jenni (Yorkshire lass of http://sewyld.blogspot.com/) suggested changing the needle to a stretch or ballpoint one. I changed over to a size 11 stretch needle and its sewing perfectly, which I am very pleased about.

My style

Whilst doing laundry today it becomes obvious that I have a personal style, a uniform as such which I fall back to over and over. When I am wearing an outfit with these components I feel very happily me. It goes like this.

1 - Striped trousers. Straight or wide leg with a dark background and white, self or coloured stripes. (occasionally I have textured trousers, and even more rarely plain ones, but I like stripes best)
2 - A knit top with elbow, three quarter or long sleeves. Usually in a light or bright colour or strong print.
3 - A jacket (or sometimes cardigan) which picks up either the dark background or the strong colour.
4 - A bold necklace in the strong colour.
5 - A large pashmina scarf in the strong colour.
6 - Shoes and bag in either the dark background or the strong colour.

I use quite a few different colours and combinations but the overall formula remains the same.
I do sometimes wear woven blouses/shirts, knit or woven dresses and even more rarely skirts, but when I pull together one of the outfits which uses the formula I am totally comfortable. (I must admit I did not realise i had a formula, but the evidence was in the laundry basket!)

It is interesting that I have bought and sewn a lot of skirts and also some woven blouses which I rarely wear. I wonder if I should force myself to try the skirts/blouses/dresses more often or whether I should just stay wearing (and sewing) more of the items I love so much?

Botanical Garden: Stripe Trousers

Botanical garden stripe trousers completed. They have straight legs, back zip and shaped waistband with a 2" hem with machine blind hemming. The fabric is a dark olive colour with self stripes, also in olive but which catches the light becuase the thread has a sheen.
I used a McCall's pattern - M4718 which is out of print but I bought at the Sew Today stand at the Harrogate Show.

I fancy a cream knit top from the modified Jalie wrap top with contrast leaf print edging next - that would go with the 'Amber Glow' collection which is already quite heavy on tops (most of them orange). Or perhaps I will switch to bright coral pink for a few tops for the Botanical Garden SWAP. Let's see how the fancy takes me over the weekend :-)
Only one day away, and no overnights for work this week so should get some evening sewing in. Having said that there always seems to be one evening a week working becuase something broke and I'm organising people to fix it urgently. I also have some weekend working coming up. Joy!

Goodies

I collected my fabrics (see post below) from the Post room at work today as I was back in the normal office having been away for a few days.
Then when I got home my Onion patterns had finally arrived. I ordered them on 26th December but they have a postmark date of 24th January, so I don't think they were dispatched very quickly.
So whilst I've not done any actual sewing I at least have some sewing related goodies.
I am away with work again for another two days (Th/Fr) and then again Mon/Tue next week so have really got to get those weekends to count.

New Fabric

I hadn't bought any fabric at all since the show in November, though I think I might head up to Abakhan in Preston (there's a new bigger shop) one Saturday morning soon. Anyway today I bought some knits in the Totallyfabrics 1/2 price sale.
I got 5m of the viscose jersey in cream (picture below). I bought so much becuase it is a great price and it would let me make 3 knit tops from that yardage I should think. Cream is a great basic and works with both of the planned SWAP collections for knit tops

I also bought 2 metres of lime/olive crinkle knitted jersey which I thought might work for the Botanical Garden SWAP, though it depends on exactly what shade of lime it turns out to be and what the fabric is like. It is hard to tell on a little picture on the computer.

Burda Style February 2010

My work has changed slightly, and is reasonably pressured but very interesting. I am travelling a bit more to make contacts and get up to speed on some new projects. All fascinating but not all that helpful on the sewing front. Even when I have some time in the evening I am still thinking about work at the moment. Don't be sad for me though, interesting work is definitely a good thing in my book. The work involves organising builds of large computer systems for those of you who are interested.

When I got home late tonight I found that Burda Style magazine had arrived. Becuase of the problems with the Burda website recently I had not seen an online preview, so the garments were all new to me.
And actually there were quite a few things I liked straight away.

Jacket 101
Trousers 102
and then also
Knit tops 112 and 122
though they are raglan sleeved which is not usually a great look on me.

I was pleased as it seems to have come a little earlier this month. I found it very frustrating in previous months that people in the US had their magazines and had sewn things from them and  posted reviews on PR, and yet my direct subscription had not come until the first week into the actual month.

The trousers in particualr interest me becuase they have pockets and a side zip. And I could definitely use some trousers like that, as the lack of pockets in women's clothes is mighty annoying sometimes. I have resorted to putting my mobile phone on a cord around my neck in the office (I wander about talking to people :-) ).

Botanical Garden: Olive Top

I just completed an olive knit top with running stitch design inspired by a picture of bamboo in spring green.
The tee has a slightly scooped neckline with applied band,. 1 " hem and cuffed elbow length sleeves.
I cut this front a remant of fabric only about 70cm long (though 150cm wide which helped).
I wonder if the design is too subtle? I was trying to create something quite grown up, but also with a natural feel.

My take on the trends for Spring Summer 2010 - Accessories

Accessories. I love them. My weight has gone up and down a bit over the years but accessories always fit. And when you are being good and want a treat they have no calories.
I think accessories can really change the look of an outfit. However whilst I love them, I don;t want to spend a lot on them, have anything too faddish, or anything impractical. I have knee problems so all those crazy shoes are probably going to be no use to me. OK so bearing all that in mind, my take on the trends:-

Plastics
This trend is about see through plastic used in bags, shoes and bracelets. It doesn't appeal to me at all, so I will be giving this one a miss. Having said that if you like the bodycon look in the earlier post, these would work well with that for a hard, modern edge. Its just not me.

Naturals
Much more my style the other key trend is wood, leather, hessian etc in natural tones. This one is much more me though I would tend to take the darker browns than the lighter neutral colours. I also think the natural colours will have more longevity in the wardrobe and work well with the Safari/Animal/Batik look which I also like.

Bags
Up next. Some practical (but maybe not all that flattering??) bag options.
First the backpack. I previously owned a leather backpack which I used until it fell apart. Hopefully this look will filter down to the highstreet and I might be able to pick up a new one.
Another practical look is the bumbag (fannypack for the peeps in the US). Where this has the old 80's curved style, I am again feeling way too old to revisit it, but there are some tasteful slim rectangular numbers on belts or cords that look just the thing for keeping your money in when fabric shopping. So I hope the small rectangular bag on a belt does hit the highstreet as I would use that.

Shoes
A few trends going on in shoes. It will be interesting to see which of them actually filter down to the high street.

Flats
Fortunately there are flats in, though quite a lot of ankle strappage going on, and if you have legs or ankles much larger than a toothpick these are best worn only with trousers IMHO. I have a soft spot for a gold gladiator sandal but we'll see.
Brogues
yes flat lace-up men styled shoes. In classic black, but also in neutral, gold, red etc.
I last had a pair of these at University 20 years ago and I wore them out I loved them so much. I like the idea of these, but I think they are best not in black otherwise they are too close to the original men's style. So I shall keep an eye out for these. Care needs to be taken to not wear with too mannish a pantsuit, so best in an outfit with one very girly item, perhaps a pretty blouse.

Heels
Those designers love heels, but heck they make my knees hurt. So I will probably give them all a miss. For those of you who can walk in them they come in two main styles
Decorative heels
These have feather, lace, bows, crystals and other crazy things attached to them. I say noooooo and run for the hills. Having said that a little something on a plain shoe is nice.
Summer boots
These are in lighter colours, often in fabric rather than leather and may have open toes or heels. Cute with the safari look to bring it up to date, but probably a step too far for me.

Shoes with socks
I am having trouble with this trend, and think it will only be pulled off well by the very young and trendy. Basically the idea is to wear contrasting socks with heeled shoes. The socks are often sheer, sparkly or lace. Sorry it just looks wrong on grown women to me. (see previous comments on undies as clothes and raw edges - its my age again!)

Neckpieces
These are very large statement necklaces. As ever some of the designer ones are completely over the top, though others are really quite wearable.
I would wear a modified version of this. I like big chunky necklaces, and with simpler outfits think these can bring a great punch.
If you do go for something like this I think you have to pretty much leave off all the other jewellery (except maybe small stud earrings and a wedding band) and keep the clothing understated as well. However done well I think its a great look and unlike so many others can be worn by all ages and sizes.

I shall keep a look out in the online and physical stores as the new season clothes and accessories come out and add a few new items. I am determined to maintain my personal style but also stay current :-) Lets see how I get on!!!!

My take on the trends for Spring Summer 2010

I am interested in fashion even if I am not actually fashionable (does that makes sense?). Even as a teen I never really embraced the fashion of the day, though of course I wore a subset of it and sewed my own things in a slightly random way. I occasionally buy Fashion Magazines, in particular I am always hope for someone to explain to me the overall trends for the coming season, so I can choose from the options available and make myself something that is both completely me, and also chimes with the styles of the time so I look somewhat current.

On that basis I bought Feb's Vogue (British ed) as it has a supplement which apparently is going explain all the trends to me. And actually its doing quite a good job of that so I am pleased.

They seem to be along the following lines:-
Something wild - Animal prints, safari suiting and tribal batik.
I can do this as it has lots of vibes I like, though sure I'll tone it down a bit.

Candy Floss - ice cream shades in sheer and floaty fabrics
Other than maybe a blouse I am probably going to give this one a miss. Sugary, girly and floaty are not really keywords in my personal style statement :-)

Short Order - yup this is shorts, short shorts and very short shorts.
Given my thighs and knees I am definitely giving this one a miss. I got enough comments from the blokes at work when I tried cropped trousers.


Notice-me prints - this varies from funky bold prints to special one of a kind digitally manipulated prints.
I can work this in tops only and only in certain colourways, but this one I do like the idea of. I have a print tunic planned for the Botanical Garden collection.

Raw power - rough cut and ragged pieces in unbleached shades of hessian and hemp have a raw, earthy elegance apparently.
I have two issues with this trend. One all that unbleached fabric is just a rubbish colour on me, and two I can't bear the tears and raw edges. I have an overwhelming urge to hem and mend it all. I know that's missing the point, but perhaps its my age. So prob won't be doing this one.

Spring bling - gold, glitter and sequins only for Spring not Christmas.
My first thought was 'oh tacky' but actually I have an old gold crinkle blouse planned for the 'Amber Glow' collection , so I think this can work if its more old gold than super shiny.


White wash - this one is about wearing white head to toe.
At first I wasn't buying it but actually I already own a white linen trouser suit, and like the idea of the white blouses with interesting detailing. So whilst I won't wear white completely alone, I shall break it out with some other colours for Spring Summer as I think it is very fresh.

Modern Military - combat gear with an easy feminine edge.
Yawn, military again? like Safari its 'in' every year it seems. Having said that, its seems to be particularly using olive tailored pieces, and I can go with that. I can see the 'Botanical garden' collection really using some of this style in the trousers, and adding in softer, prettier and more colourful tops. The idea is to have a military inspiration, not look like you've actually enlisted.

Inside Out - yup its bra tops, cami knickers and other underwear worn as clothes.
Sigh! The same part of me that wants to finish the hems of the 'Raw power' look wants to tell these girls to put their blouse/pants/dress on, and what the heck are they thinking going out like that. Somehow I don't think I can embrace underwear as clothing, so I am probably going to sit this one out too.

The new wave - this one is that old 80's bodycon trend back again. Lots of black and neon, super tight and super short.
I don't have the figure for this one, and I guess since I remember it from the 80's I probably shouldn't revisit it.
The closest I might get to this would be a fitted knit top with some contrast panelling, bands or even cut-outs. I am hoping Burda magazine will come up with something I can use as a pattern.

Fairytale frocks - frothy and frilly white or cream dresses.
Err no. Again perhaps a calmed down version for a summer blouse, but the dresses are like wedding dresses that have had an accident with a serger. A few of the details on a simple blouse or top might be nice. So I am taking this as inspiration where I want it at about 1% strength.

'Decorative Dressmaking' by Sue Thompson

I ordered a used copy of 'Decorative Dressmaking' by Sue Thompson and it came today. Although some of her examples seem a little dated now she draws from many periods, and its a fascinating look at flunces, stripes, topstitching etc and the ideas could easily be adapted in a more subtle form to current garments. I think it could be a good way to present TNTs in a slightly different way.

I am quite tired today but will try and do just a little on the current trousers. perhaps even get them to that point where they can be tried for first fitting. One of those moments which can either be great or a total let down, will let you know how I go on.
---------------------------
Trousers are OK, not bad, not brilliant. they are relatively slim legged, and what I originally took to be high waisted turns out in fact to be on the natural waist. I suppose I have just got used to trousers sitting below the waist for the last few years so it looks different. Quite comfortable, though might let the hips out a little bit.
I put the partly constructed trousers down to change after trying them on and found the cat had curled up on them. She was not impressed when I moved them from under her, so I guess they have her seal of approval. She's less fussy about fit though as she only sleeps on the items and never wears them anywhere!

Onion Patterns Shipped

Woo hoo! I got an email today saying my Onion patterns shipped on 5th January. The weather in northern Europe has been terrible with snowstorms and airports shut etc, so although inter-European mail is normally quite quick (though how Burda magazine gets to the US several weeks before it gets to the UK I don't know) I day say it'll be a few more days yet.

The ones I have ordered are both unlined jackets which I think will work for my new 'East Clothing' inspired wardrobes for the Spring.