Stalking the Plus Sized Pattern Pyramid??

Well if you are you are in for a real treat.

It now resides with 3 bloggers that I know of so the chances of winning are BIG..

Check out these blogs

Sewing with Cats - Have your comment in by 30th November to be in to win Alison's loot.

Bea's Sewing Adventure - Bea's draw finishes on 1st December so get in to have a shot.

Chris Lucas - Chris has another PS Pyramid drawn on 1st December on her blog.

This is a great opportunity to get your mitts on a pattern you don't have and also to spread the plus sized love!

New Buttericks and December One Garment a Month Plans

I don't normally do new pattern release posts. A lot of the people I follow do them and I just enjoy their posts - however there is a dress pattern I. MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE. MUST. HAVE (better stop before they come and take me away ho ho he he ha ha)

Look at the lines

I even know what I am going to do with it........ (imaging dreamy face with a thought bubble)

Now on to December Plans for the Sarah Liz Make a Garment a Month Challenge.

I actually finished 2 garments in November - my tea dress (official challenge garment) which still needs a few tweaks and the StyleArc Pleated Pia top.

My December plans also include StyleArc (what else!!)

I purchased some of the Mint coloured Bengaline from StyleArc which will be transformed by the magic of sewing (hopefully) into the StyleArc Barb Pants

That is my official Garment for December. I also want to make (time permitting) a tunic top and depending on what colour the mint bengaline looks in life (Aus Post has it in their custody at the moment) the tunic will either be in white linen or in a gorgeous blue chiffon I purchased from Denver Fabrics about 2 years ago.

Till the end of November I will be finishing off some pillow cases for Rhonda's wonderful drive.

Have a good one.

Pleasing peerless Pleated Pia

I LOVE my new StyleArc Pleated Pia top. It is just lovely and I am so happy with how the neckline ended up and really like the "scoop" shape of the neckline.

Here it is on Babs

Close up of neckline

The pleats kind of get swallowed up by the fabric - but they are there.

I purchased the fabric from Sawyer Brook's online. It is called eco tourist and if you look closely at the pattern you can see why.

I can't decide if it looks like a whole lot of amoebas:

Or some hot mud springs

But whatever - it looks alive - organic. It is lighter weight than I was expecting. It is a viscose / elastane jersey knit. It will be great for our summer but I would have liked a bit more substance to it. Maybe that is my ignorance over what a viscose / elastane jersey knit is. It does feel nice on. I shall make more Pia's I am sure.

Here it is on.

BTW - thanks for all of the nice comments on my haircut. Unfortunately the rain has got to it and it has gone FRIZZ.

I started this top on Saturday at Tessuti's Sewing Day but was having trouble with the neckband. I always have trouble with the neckband. The fabric is quite a fine knit and it kept getting swallowed by the feed dogs (hungry little critters they were). After unpicking it 3 times I decided to have a break from it and I finished it successfully last night by using my walking foot.

Can I say that the walking foot is never coming off my machine. If ever I have to do a zip or a button I will have to buy a new machine. I love the walking foot. I purchased it for a sewing workshop on knits that I attended (it was on the required equipment list) but really didn't get it until yesterday when it fed this fine knit through like it was linen. That foot was certainly made for walking. Love it.

And the Pia - as you can see in the title - I didn't have any successful me made tees in my wardrobe. I can't count the StyleArc Creative Cate as it doesn't have a neckband and the sleeves are cut on the front and back. Not really a tee and very easy peasy. That is why I am calling the Pia peerless - so far.

Adjustments to Pattern:

- Purchased one a size too small and added 2 cms to each side seam = 8 cms in total. That way the shoulders and arms fit better. It is still a bit big in these areas but it could be the soft knit used too. Found out about different knits the hard way!

You can just see the 2 cms added to the side of the sleeve to match the 2 cms I add to the side of the pattern. I then grade that down to zero about half way down the sleeve.

- Added 2 inches in length to cover tum tum.

- Cut some off the sleeve length. Next time I will another inch or so on the sleeve. I don't like short sleeves and not keen on long. I like 3/4 sleeves.

- I made the neckband a tad wider - about 1 cm.

No other adjustments (which is really great for someone my size).

Overall - very happy.

Things I learnt during this project:

- Even if your fabric is a very fine knit - using interfacing on the neckband is not a good idea if you want to stretch it between the quarters!

- Every good sewing machine deserves feet - and a walking foot is worth the money. I am going to check out if I can get one for the Elna Overlocker....

- Suzanne Gray says you should always sew a sleeve in and not sew it in one go from the hem to cuff. I am starting to think she may be on to something there.

Review on Pattern Review

Next post will be details on the tea dress.                                                                                                                                                         .  

Sit and Sew at Tessuti's Sew Inn

Well what a day yesterday was. Seven dedicated sewists landed on the doorstep of Tessuti Fabrics in Surry Hills (at their invitation - thanks Dilliander for organising it with Tessutis) for a wonderful day of sitting, sewing and chatting and of course - fabric shopping!!!

Above are Kristy on left, moi in middle, Sharon on the end with Wendy at the cutting table. Velosewer and Margaret are missing in action from the photo - probably roaming the aisles drooling at the fabric - I know that is what I was doing in a Zombie like trance when I first arrived). Dilliander (from Pattern Review - and winner of Tessuti's gridlock competition) took the photo.

It was a great set up - no need to lug our machines as Tessuti's had Berninas set up for us and a couple of overlockers. This is the area where they normally hold classes. They will be putting up next year's classes soon and I am hoping to join the "bring your own project" class. It was amazing how many customers came over to check us out and see what was going on - and asking us for advice!

The stunning Colette from Tessuti Fabrics made us feel more than welcome. Check out the blog she and Lisa write about Tessuti, their fabrics and patterns. We really couldn't have had a better hostess. She was on hand to help if there were any questions about the machines, showed us where we could get tea and coffee, chatted to us about our sewing and offered us a lovely on the day discount.... as if the fabric wasn't tempting enough..... and yes *sigh* a couple of gorgeous pieces came home with me. (And I know I wasn't the only one from our group who had a little splurge or two) I really had to restrain myself. Their fabric is of such a fine quality. This is what I purchased.

On the top is a most exquisite 100% silk chiffon with a self stripe. Underneath is an amazing faux suede. I say amazing as it feels so much like suede I can't believe it isn't. It has a wonderful weight to it and was initially going to be a skirt - however there was a bit left on the roll so Colette threw that in too so I am thinking my TNT dress may get another edition.

I was initially drawn to the silk as I was lucky enough to get in quick and get some of the paprika coloured stretch bengaline from StyleArc before it sold out (yes - it went in the blink of an eye) and I wanted some fabric to match the Barb pants I am going to make with the Bengaline. Then I saw the suede and I was in LURVE. So these items have been re-homed in my stash until my skills are up to using them....

I managed to finish a Style Arc Fay skirt and half of a Style Arc Pia top at Tessuti's and am hoping to finish the top today (if I can drag myself away from stroking the suede!!)

BTW - Anne over at Pretty Grievances has announced Jungle January mark 2 ... how exciting. Purr Purr. I did look at a beautiful peach leopard silk at Tessuti's. Glad I hadn't heard the announcement before going as I am not sure I could have resisted it had I known..

What are you up to today?

Two birds - one scone

I suppose that title only works if you pronounce Scone as in Stone not as in gone. I know in the US a scone is somewhat different to what it is here in Oz.... Down under it is something to have with jam and cream and tea.

When the fabulous Velosewer announced that there was going to be a high tea to mark Pattern Review's 12th birthday then I thought - time for a tea dress! So combining the Make one Garment a Month Challenge with High Tea I came up with the below dress which was still being hemmed (I use the term loosely as I only used steam a seam and no stitches - I am now in love with the stuff) an hour before I arrived at Parramatta at Adora Handmade Chocolates.

I must say the last High Tea I attended cost over AUS$100 and we didn't get much more for our money than we did for our AUS $15 at Adora, It was however at the Ritz Carlton in London. Andora was delicious with not a scone in sight.

I decided to pair Simplicity 1586 with a lovely floral sateen that I purchased as a end of roll from Spotties for next to nix a couple of years ago. After all - doesn't a tea party call for flowers? This is my November garment for the challenge that the lovely Sarah Liz is hosting (Yes I made it this month - does that classify as a pun - made it!!!?? as in got it done!) This is the first step in my Princess Seamed TNT dress.

The cardi I wore with it was made in September but not blogged about as it was really just a copy of a favoured RTW cover that was wearing out. You can see the originial here. I just used Style Arc Abby as a base but didn't use the "collar" waterfall and made it less "flaired".

It brought a smile to my face to see a table of 10 women all wearing lovely self made clothes.Gorgeous. The power of the sewing machine. A lot of the sewists there are part of my ASG sewing group and it was great to see them all frocked up. It was also wonderful to meet others. It was great to chat to Lena Merin of The Sewing Space who's gelatin method is legendary and who's blog is full of great tutorials. She is in the midst of creating more patterns. I have been following for ages but never had the pleasure of meeting her before. I was lucky enough to sit next to Janelle of Sew Hopeful - a lovely lady who's bright and cheerful personality was a delight. It will be great to read her blog now that I know her. It was also wonderful to meet Ryn who doesn't have a blog and had heard about the get together through Pattern Review.

There was a specially made cake for us - which was a "smash cake" where you smash it and inside are chocolates. Most appropriate for a chocolate shop.

And here is Velosewer wielding the hammer of THOR and cracking the cake (guess what I watched last night :-)

Thanks once again to Velosewer for arranging a great afternoon. If you missed it, pop over to see her review of the day.

I will review my dress once I get a picture of it without the cardi so that I can catalogue the changes I need to make for the next version. They are hidden under the cardi.

Whatever you are doing - where-ever you are - have a great day / night.

Chasing the plus sized pyramid??

The pyramid has landed over at SeamsStraightforward. The lovely Fiona says she has so many patterns to add to the already bursting at the seams (no pun intended) pyramid that if she gets enough entries she may even send out 2 packages..... wow. I have already put my name in the pot (wouldn't it be funny if it came back here where it started!!)

I think there might be another one making the rounds somewhere too but I have lost track.....

So - if you are stalking the pyramid head on over to SeamsStraightforward and leave a comment. You have until the 9th November. Lots of nice goodies in the box.

In other news ...... an update on my one garment per month challenge - I have 3 half done garments. If I put them all together I have one and a half garments..... does this count? Hoping to finish one of them soon.....

Scary September Wrap Up

Well here it is - October already - and I am a little late with my wrap up. This is because I have had visitors. My sister and her friend came down to stay for a while and therefore there has been yak yak yak instead of sew / write etc. This is also why I may not have been able to visit your blog and leave comments. Too many late nights with too many glasses of vino. It was great showing off my wardrobe of me sewn garments (I think it time to invest in some of those choice little "made by me" labels ........  :-) :-)

Below is a update of all of the scary jumpers who have made progress (or discussed progress) since the last update. Please check out the links below to see more of their items. Once again I have only included jumpers who have made the leap.

Nothy Lane from Aft Agley is still working on her lovely roll collar coat - she wants a little bit more time and I am more than happy to report on her finished item later.

Becki-c from Beccabeckstuff has done this simply stunning Marfy blouse as part of her wardrobe - isn't it DIVINE

Louise from No23 has finished her wardrobe and entered the PR wardrobe contest. If you are a member of PR you can vote for it here  until the 10th October- I certainly did - it is sure worth a vote - let's get behind our group. What a great wardrobe.

Sue from Quiltsewsewsue has completed another item for her wardrobe - a lovely pearl cardigan. Just what is needed for our Spring.

Juliet from The Crazy Gypsy Chronicles made her first indie pattern the Colette Chantilly as pledged - isn't it gorgeous. Check out the link above to see her very funny post about it including a mad dash to sew the SAME teal fabric as a lot of other sewists. See their results here

The gorgeous Kat from the Engineer's Other life conquered her fear of prints - and doesn't she look great in them.

JuliN from the Happy Homemaker Redux has made progress on her corset - see her grommets below. (I've always wanted to use the word grommet)

Valerie from Valerie's own sewing blog has done many posts on her pants block. Her recent post tells how she used the pants block to make a very lovely very summery pair of cotton cargos. Check out her blog

Lynn from You Sew Girl did pledge to do a fitted woven blouse. Now - she didn't do that but I am including her as her absolutely fab coat is certainly fitted and woven and deserves a show off. Beautiful.

What a great effort from everyone! If I have missed anyone - let me know.

Now I am not going to embarrass those of us who didn't do our items for Scary Sept - except for one - me - yes that is right - I failed - I didn't do my zip or my top - *sigh* I am crawling into the corner in shame........

It seems that whenever I make plans I fail in the execution. I love making plans though. I keep telling myself - don't plan - but it is sooo much fun. My sewing is much better and more productive when I go with my mojoflo - what attracts me that weekend..... I have the attention span of a goldfish *sigh*

I have really enjoyed Scary September - even though my jump was a dismal failure - I so enjoyed watching my fellow sewists conquer their fears in such a formidable way. Well done you!

I may just take Nothy Lane up on her suggestion to make this an annual event! I am going to leave the blogroll up for another week or so if you want to check out the scary jumpers.

So what's my next plan (yes - there is that four letter word)! I have joined in with SarahLiz on her one garment a month challenge... There is one rule that I may well flout.... picking a pattern and blogging the plans. I think I will just go with my mojoflo.

One thing I do want to complete is the fractured knit cardi that I picked for my scary September... I am going to change the pattern though - that is where I fell over. I was inspired by the workshop we did (but unfortunately it was the last weekend of the month so learnt the skills a bit late for Scary September).... I am totally in love with the below jacket that the incredible Suzanne Gray (sewing teacher extraordinaire!) made. This was my inspiration. To think that she made this out of a racer back tourist t-shirt. I often see tourist (or other tees) that won't fit me. Now I have a solution. This is magnificent. (And Paris is a favourite city of mine)

I have the zip (thanks for all of the suggestions for places to buy) and ONE DAY I will do it. (Well - more than one day LOL)

Have a great day.