tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26618167134255623042024-03-14T02:32:27.261+11:00On the Road to Sew WearI have never kept a journal and have sometimes regretted it - especially when I am learning something new.
I thought it would be a good idea to record my journey on the road to learning to sew
and blogging is an ideal way to keep my thoughts organised and to remember how far I have come - hopefully :-). This is my first *real* foray into sewing and my first attempt at blogging.BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-26128957059952639052015-06-07T07:22:00.001+10:002015-06-07T07:22:31.475+10:00Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just a quick post as an update. I haven't been sewing and my sewjo is lying around somewhere like a deflated beach ball waiting for inspiration and energy to blow it back up.<br />
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I had forgotten how exhausting it is to work full time. The things we do to be able to afford more fabric! (I know I know - 1st world problem!) I am enjoying my new job even though it is a long day.<br />
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I used to start my leisurely life reading blogs over breakfast. Now I put on my makeup - toast in one hand, BB Cream, primer and spatula in the other. It is an hour drive each way so I leave home at 7:30 in the morning and get back home after 6 at night. Weekends I spend cleaning and cooking meals to warm up for weeknights. So no time or energy for sewing.<br />
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I hope that I will acclimatise soon and at least get one day of my weekend to sew. I find I am too tired to turn on the laptop when I get home so I have been catching up on blog reading early Sunday mornings - so if I normally comment on your posts and haven't lately it could just be I haven't caught up with your blog yet, I do find that I have over 200 posts to read though.<br />
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My work is rewarding and it is a wonderful place to work so all is good, I am especially appreciating that I am getting paid on a regular basis! I imagine that once I get used to the long days (for me anyway) I will get my sewjo back.<br />
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I just wanted to touch base and let you know you won't be hearing from me quite as much but I am still here and watching with great interest what my sewing sisters are whipping up.<br />
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Here is a picture of my workplace and a group of students waiting to get stuck into lunch (we put on lunch every Wednesday) how cool is that!<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-66622833398634646052015-05-14T13:03:00.000+10:002015-05-14T13:03:54.077+10:00Quick update and small tip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I start my new job on Wednesday but dropped in yesterday to do some paperwork and to have lunch with everyone. The company puts on a lunch every Wednesday for staff and students. Yesterday we had BBQ chicken and chips - delicious.<br />
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Anyhow, I got the skinny on the uniform and my assumptions were correct. It is just a blouse that comes in different formations. My new colleague said "and I make up the rest". I am still assuming there will be no prints and must stick to blues, blacks and browns from what I have seen, but at least it will give me some things to sew.<br />
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Now my dilemma is what to sew. I need to re-invent myself as a sewist. Otherwise I will go crazy sewing navy StyleArc Linda pants and StyleArc Abby cardigans. Lindas and Abbys are what I know and what I am comfortable with.<br />
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I am not a weekend wear sewist. I tend to wear trackie dacks and hoodies around the house in winter and house dresses in summer. Both I have plenty of. I don't go out much, mainly to sewing events.... I know I am a bit of a hermit. I even grocery shop online. I have as much weekend clothes as I want and I know some people love sewing casual but that is not me. I like to sew work wear because that is where I am seen the most. And who doesn't like to show off their newly sewn clothes.<br />
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So - a good deal of thinking will be needed. I have plenty of slacks so it is really skirts I need to think about. There is a great selection of different skirt patterns available - however - skirts don't seem to suit me much. I need to find "the magic formula" like I did with my TNT dress. Something that will look okay with the company blouse.<br />
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And........ I may even have to try my hand at a jacket. I have had many false starts with jackets. I really do want to make one but I am somewhat scared of the jacket. I will have to try to overcome my fear and sew one up. I have fabric and patterns but not the backbone!<br />
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And now on to my tip. A non sewing one I must admit. But sort of related.<br />
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I am not an ironer. I do admit to enjoying pressing as I sew but not ironing after the item is worn and washed. So when I wash I hang all of my clothes on coat hangers and then hang them on the clothesline. When dry I just take them off the line and hang straight in the wardrobe. The one thing I don't like is the poke bits on the shoulders from the coat hangers - especially in the heavy waterfall cardis.<br />
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So this is my tip. Make your own padded hangers to protect the shoulders of your knits.<br />
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Now when you first buy the insulation it will stink of rubber but that will go if you leave it out for a week or so.<br />
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I then use the clothesline pegs purchased from Maid of Shade in Australia to hang them on the line. I leave these pegs on the line ready for the next load.<br />
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Hope this tip helps you. Do you have any tips to share?</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-83073774328758336952015-05-11T13:20:00.000+10:002015-05-11T13:20:45.444+10:00Serengeti Sabertooth Save and changes of plans. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well I managed a save on the Sabertooth Swap fabric that the lovely <a href="http://barbarajanemade.com/" target="_blank">Barbara Jane</a> gave me as part of the Sabretooth Swap that <a href="http://prttynpnk.com/" target="_blank">Anne from Pretty Grievances</a> hosted. You might remember my <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhAdGosrQVI/VPpbO2IsHOI/AAAAAAAAC6U/-nbrfykQOEI/s1600/DSCN3005.JPG" target="_blank">dismal neckline</a>. As I mentioned in <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/butterick-5863-reverse-toile-aka-what.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> I was able to purchase the last metre from Addicted to Fabric and then recut the front.<br />
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I love this fabric. The feel of it is fabulous.. So good that I asked ATF to send me some swatches of similar knits they had available - but alas - none of it was like this fabric.<br />
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Check out what Barbara Jane did with the <a href="http://barbarajanemade.com/2015/03/08/too-much-leopard/" target="_blank">Sabertooth swap fabric</a> I gave her. Love it. I purchased some of the same fabric for myself and will maybe make a dress. Maybe - my clothing plans have changed recently as I will explain.<br />
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I entered the Artisan Square SWAP and also the Pattern Review Wardrobe contest. I had planned and was sewing my way through a new work wardrobe.<br />
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My self employed work has wound down quite significantly and I trained my last group on Tuesday 21st April. I have only had about 4 days work a month this year due to huge changes and cuts in Government funding.<br />
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So - I knew I had to look for a JOB.... Yes - actually working for someone else - gulp - and 5 days per week - gulp gulp. And hence I have been sewing my way through (and also purchasing some RTW) work gear. I had a navy wardrobe planned and commenced.....<br />
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I have also been motivated and inspired by the book <a href="http://www.palmerpletsch.com/lookinggoodeveryday.htm" target="_blank">"Looking Good Every Day"</a> that the very generous Sarah Liz of <a href="http://sarahlizsewstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Liz Sew Style</a> gifted me. It is a wonderful book and I am really enjoying reading it. <br />
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It has a lot on wardrobe making and has really inspired me. The book features the gorgeous <a href="http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Cenetta </a>in a feature on colour analysis. It also has some great styling advice. My fav part though is the wardrobe article.<br />
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Thanks Sarah Liz.<br />
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You can see my planned SWAP wardrobe <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbZdEUR071w/VFVOdSVKnFI/AAAAAAAACwo/mq5_P3T98o8/s1600/SWAP2015.png" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I had planned to sew the dresses from my SWAP at the weekend sewing retreat at Stanwell Tops organised by the phenomenal (you try organising a weekend for 30 demanding women) <a href="http://petiteandsewing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sharon at Petite and Sewing</a>. It has become an annual event (and here's hoping it continues to be) and is such a hoot.<br />
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Anyhow - like the best laid plans of mice and men - my plans went hugely awry.<br />
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I got a job.... yes my job search was fast and brief. Trained my last group on Tuesday 21st and received a phone call on Wednesday 22nd from a contact I have that owes a recruitment agency. After a brief discussion she put me forward for an interview and I was successful. And she rang me! Go figure - the universe surely works in a strange and wonderful way. After much toing and froing from the company as to where I will be based, I have landed in their campus in Merrylands.<br />
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BUT.... and it is a big but (pardon the pun)..... the job entails wearing a UNIFORM!!!!! And not a very pleasant one at that. I haven't worn a uniform since the not so very chic blue check of high school... So.... all of my newly sewn and purchased items may now be redundant. As are my wardrobe plans. I haven't started the job yet so don't have the low down on what exactly the uniform consists of eg.. blouse only or the whole shebang. If it is the blouse only then I can utilise my colour appropriate sewn / purchased pants and skirts but all of my lovely dresses will be gathering dust (I guess my bright orange or red StyleArc Barbs are out - as is any animal print sob sob). From what I saw during my interview and the subsequent presentation I had to give, the uniform is blue so the navy slacks and skirt from my SWAP will fit in if I can wear my own bottoms...<br />
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So this also made all of the sewing plans for my weekend away no longer valid so I had to do some quick thinking as to what I could cut and take with me to Stanwell Tops to sew. I ended up taking some projects that I wasn't completely happy with or familiar with so consequently I didn't finish one item. I still had a fabulously fun time.<br />
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1720's sewing circle</div>
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1952 sewing circle</div>
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2015 sewing circle</div>
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The morning after the sewing circle - where is everyone??? Must have been all that .... sewing ...... that exhausted all.</div>
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There was a lot of productive sewing at other times.<br />
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My area - seated next to <a href="http://loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Kristy from Lower Your Pressure Foot</a> who is busy cutting out (and made some great items including a stunning skirt).<br />
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The naughty corner.</div>
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Anyway - wish me luck with my new job.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-51111773000875220122015-03-07T13:40:00.000+11:002015-03-07T13:40:03.748+11:00Butterick 5863 -The reverse Toile - aka - what not to do.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The first cut is the deepest</h2>
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Before I get into my finished items I want to say I was wowed by the response to my last post.<br />
An amazing 138 people voted on my haircut.... I don't even know 138 people. I apologise to anyone who had a massive time suck playing with hairstyles on Taaz.com after reading my post (along with pinterest, facebook, blogger, twitter etc it is a wonder the world still rotates and things still get done.)</div>
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So - did I get my haircut and who am I sporting? Yes the cut has happened......<br />
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I really really really wanted Lisa. I have never had my hair in a style like that and haven't had a fringe since I was a teenager...... only a few short years ago....... My hairdresser recommended against it. She said my hair is too curly for that short a cut at the front and it would take maintenance to kept it looking good. That unless I used product and straightened it each wash it would go woolley. I didn't want to risk it as I had never been to this hairdresser before, she is relatively cheap and I have never seen customers in her salon... Hmm as <a href="http://nosilasews.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Alison </a>said to me - not very good signs.....<br />
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I ended up with a kind of frankencut - a mix of Sarah on the top and Lisa on the bottom,,,, Kind of.<br />
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Before and after<br />
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I actually really like my cut and once I wash it I will know if I will keep it. Good on the hairdresser. She turned out to be a find I think.<br />
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Back to sewing</h2>
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When my <a href="http://prttynpnk.com/" target="_blank">Pretty Grievances</a> <a href="http://prttynpnk.com/2015/01/10/saber-toothed-swap-announcement-and-style-parade/" target="_blank">Sabertooth Swap</a> partner <a href="http://barbarajanemade.com/" target="_blank">Barbara Jane</a> sent me this beautiful beefy knit I was drawn to <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5863-products-44681.php?page_id=402&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Butterick 5863</a>. I thought it plain enough to let the fabric speak for itself but also have an interesting neckline.<br />
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Now - me being me, I decided to "adjust" the one thing that drew it to me - the neckline. I always find necklines too high and narrow for my big neck so I always make them lower and wider...........<br />
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Hmm - did you happen to notice how low and wide the neckline is on the model?<br />
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This is what it turned out like..... (and haircut after 2 days)<br />
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Not bad for a street walker but not exactly the look I was going for. Luckily <a href="http://www.a2f.com.au/" target="_blank">Addicted to Fabric</a> (where Barbara Jane purchased the fabric) had 1 lonely metre left and waiting just for me - talk about luck! After exchange of emails and phone calls that lonely remnant has a home and is waiting to be a fixed Butterick 5863. I am so glad as I love this top and the fabric is wonderful and the colours really look good on me if I might say so myself. StyleArc had a great khaki bengaline that would match beautifully but it sold out before I could get my grubby mits on it... *sigh* ..... I am hoping for more stock soon.<br />
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I did modify the top in other ways too. I made the sleeves longer and added length to the body as well.<br />
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I am modelling it with a pair of modified Linda pants in an absolutely gorgeous navy hybrid crepe from<a href="http://emmaonesock.com/fabrics/hitechmattehybrid.asp?c=214" target="_blank"> Emma One Sock</a>. I LOVE this fabric. I have it in a multitude of colours and it will play a big part in my Artisan Square SWAP. It is not cheap, especially when you factor shipping to Australia into the price, but well worth the cost IMO. It feels divine, hangs beautifully and has my favourite thing in the material world - stretch.<br />
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Navy is not what I would normally pair with this top but I was being frugal with my modelling as my visiting sister was taking pics for me. I say these are modified Lindas as I gave them a little flare at the bottom. I like the way they turned out.<br />
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Anyhow, after the Gulf of Mexico neckline (or should I call it the Great Australian Bight), I thought I had better do a toile - after the horse has bolted so to speak. I used fabric that I purchased on sale and very cheap from<a href="https://www.theremnantwarehouse.com.au/tribal-feather-jersey.html" target="_blank"> the Remnant Warehouse.</a> It was about half the price it is now when I purchased 5 metres of it.<br />
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Being photobombed by Elle<br />
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Back of top and pants - haircut has held up well for 2 days.<br />
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Next step will be to add maybe another cm to the neckline and then to remake the Sabretooth top.<br />
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I am looking forward to finishing it and adding it to my wardrobe and also seeing how Barbara Jane transformed the fabric I sent her.<br />
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Happy sewing.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-74078613292301818722015-02-22T16:55:00.000+11:002015-02-22T17:07:06.061+11:00A virtual haircut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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First I would like to say thank you for all the wonderful advice on the RTW top in my last post. Can you believe I couldn't find any hand sewing needles so had to buy some! Now I have my new needles I will be able to make the adjustments.<br />
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On a different matter, I am desperate to have a hair cut. I haven't had my hair done since the PR tea party back in November 2013!.<br />
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Anyway, I was trying to decide on hair styles and came across this great site where you can try on celebrity hairstyles.<br />
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It is <a href="http://www.taaz.com/">http://www.taaz.com/</a><br />
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So what do I do? Leave my hair long and just have it styled or cut it a bit shorter?<br />
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I have been sewing too..... But completely stuffed up my sabertooth swap top. Barbara Jane - if you are out there - where did you get the fabric from? I want to see if I can get some more. I love that fabric and it looks spectacular made up but the neckline is way too big.<br />
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Anyway, thought I would share my results of the hairdos with you all.<br />
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Here I am as my untarnished self.<br />
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Now with a bit of "virtual pretend" make up.<br />
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Now as a red haired Jane Fonda<br />
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As Sarah Paulson</div>
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As Eva Longoria<br />
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As Joy Behar<br />
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As Cynthia Nixon<br />
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As Lisa Rima<br />
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You can even add sunglasses to see which frame suits your face.<br />
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Interested to see what you think. Vote below.<br />
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(if you are reading this in a reader you may have to click on to the blog itself to vote as I made an error originally)<br />
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<form method="post" action="http://poll.pollcode.com/51625527"><div style="background-color:#EEEEEE;padding:2px;width:175px;font-family:Arial;font-size:small;color:#000000;box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #888;"><div style="padding:2px 0px 4px 2px;"><strong>Which hair cut</strong></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="1" id="answer516255271" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer516255271" style="float:left;width:150px;">Jane</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="2" id="answer516255272" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer516255272" style="float:left;width:150px;">Sarah</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="3" id="answer516255273" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer516255273" style="float:left;width:150px;">Eva</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="4" id="answer516255274" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer516255274" style="float:left;width:150px;">Joy</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="5" id="answer516255275" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer516255275" style="float:left;width:150px;">Cynthia</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="6" id="answer516255276" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer516255276" style="float:left;width:150px;">Lisa</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><div align="center" style="padding:3px;"><input type="submit" value=" Vote "> <input type="submit" name="view" value=" View "></div><div align="right" style="font-size:10px">pollcode.com <a href="http://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></div></div></form>BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-90503349673188747452015-01-27T16:03:00.000+11:002015-01-27T18:18:38.777+11:00My Jalie Skirt. Plus advice required - alterations on RTW top.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First a big huge thanks for all of the lovely comments on my Jungle January dress. Most appreciated.<br />
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Now my second post in as many days - hope you don't get sick of me.<br />
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As mentioned in my last post, I made a Jalie 8 gore skirt in a beautiful Hybrid Crepe from EmmaOneSock. This fabric is really gorgeous with stretch :-) :-) :-) and 2 sides - one matt and darker and one a little shiney. I chose the matt side of course - shine being the enemy of the bulge. (I just read this back LOL - of course the fabric has 2 sides - DOH!)<br />
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I have made <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/jalie-skirt-finished.html" target="_blank">this skirt before</a> but this time I actually put all 8 gores in LOL.. last time I carefully measured and when I altered the pattern to fit me I was surprised at how tight it turned out when made up (<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWpy--7UP4g/UQtTxjgW9-I/AAAAAAAABS8/1Ya-ZcMjs6E/s640/DSCN2492.JPG" target="_blank">check out the pic of the back</a>) - only to find the 8th gore months later under a pile of fabric on my sewing table (told you before math is not my strong suit - although one would think I could count to eight). I have since undone one seam and the top and hem and inserted the 8th gore and it fits much better now...... When making this version I counted each gore as it went in if only to prove I can count to eight!!!!<br />
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Anyway - I really like this skirt and can wear this style of skirt a lot easier than a pencil shape which tends to tent over my tum.<br />
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This post is not only to show off my new skirt but to seek advice on the top. It is a RTW top (yes shame on me - I broke my RTW shun pledge - in a HUGE way - in the TVSN sales in December). Don't you just love television shopping - although what looks great on size 8 model doesn't necessarily translate to looking great on size BeaJay.<br />
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It really doesn't look good on someone so top heavy. Looks like a toffee apple.<br />
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First - I do like a peek a boo shoulder but the whole arm is way too much sausage on show so I shall put a small tack half way down the arm to hold it more together... now .... about the "fluff".<br />
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Should I take in the sides and sleeves a bit?<br />
Take away the elastic?<br />
Or both?<br />
Or is it a lost cause?<br />
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I do so love the fabric and it fits right in with my planned navy work wardrobe.<br />
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Knock knock - Mrs Mole - are you there?? Any advice from you or any other of my talented sewing friends out there would be greatly appreciated.<br />
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Back<br />
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Thanking you in advance.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-3633062320310985332015-01-26T11:25:00.001+11:002015-01-26T18:06:54.016+11:00Jungle January and the Sabertooth Swap.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The drought has broken.<br />
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It really took some doing to get my sewjo mojo a flowing. After so long with problems with my knee and our cold winter I lost the momentum with sewing. I did quite a bit of cutting and just a little sewing but really couldn't get my act together.<br />
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It took a great day at Tessutis with my sewing buddies (and Jungle January) to re-ignite my mojo. I took 3 items already cut out and ready to sew. At Tessutis I did the sewing of the seams on all 3, so all I had to do was the finishing - binding / hemming etc. The items made up so quickly and it really made me want to sew again.<br />
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In a beautiful navy <a href="http://emmaonesock.com/fabrics/hitechmattehybrid.asp?lcd=81932" target="_blank">hybrid crepe from EmmaOneSock</a> I cut a Jalie 8 gore skirt and a pair of StyleArc Linda Pants. These are part of my <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/it-is-that-time-of-year-again-swap.html" target="_blank">Artisan's Square SWAP</a>. These will be photographed when I finish some matching tops.<br />
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In a lovely <a href="http://www.darncheapfabrics.com.au/product/marquee" target="_blank">fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics</a> I had a cut out dress from <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5890-products-10127.php?page_id=529&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">McCalls 5890</a>. This is fabric I first saw on the lovely and talented <a href="https://thornberry.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/lekala-4094/" target="_blank">Thornberry </a>and HAD. TO. HAVE! With its fun scales it fits right into the <a href="http://prttynpnk.com/2015/01/01/lets-talk-animal-print/" target="_blank">Jungle</a>. If you like anything animal head over to <a href="http://prttynpnk.com/2015/01/19/the-catwalk-bites-back/" target="_blank">Pretty Grievances</a> and check out the cat walk before the cruise ends. Yes - it's Jungle January.<br />
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It is quite a heavy ponte so will be put in the safari suitcase and pulled out in winter.<br />
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Of course I will wear it with a jacket or cardigan like below - but I am thinking more of the Orange StyleArc Fiona I have planned. There are touches of orange in the fabric but maybe full on Orange will be too much. I will have to look when I get the Fiona sewn.<br />
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Overall I am happy with the dress.<br />
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Oh - and btw - look at what Santa brought me.<br />
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This is so much better than the little cutting mats that I used before. Longer than my dining table. No more shuffling little boards around. It was purchased <a href="http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Larger-than-A0-1-8m-0-9m-3-Ply-Self-Healing-Cutting-Mat-Quilting-Scrapbook-/150869809833?pt=AU_Scrapbooking&hash=item23208a9aa9" target="_blank">here</a> and is 1.8m x 0.9m (or 71" X 36" for those not in cms). I was able to pick it up at Yagoona so even saved on the shipping.<br />
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On the cutting table....</h3>
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I have some gorgeous fabric from The Remnant Warehouse. It is a <a href="https://www.theremnantwarehouse.com.au/spirograph-bengaline-jacquard-blue.html" target="_blank">Spirograph bengaline</a>. It is more of a wedgwood colour than the aqua in the picture and quite beefy. The feel is lovely and it is a reversible jacquard - although I am only going to use one side (Can't decide which one though). I did purchase <a href="https://www.theremnantwarehouse.com.au/spirograph-bengaline-jacquard-red.html" target="_blank">some of the red</a> (which is less orange than in the pic on their website) for a dress and may use both sides of that one.<br />
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Although this is a departure from my A.S. SWAP, I can't help it - the fabric is crying out to be a pair of summer capris.<br />
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Also on the table is a lacy (from the remnants warehouse) little jardi. Short sleeved for summer. You can see the fabric in the pic of the cutting board but if you want a closer look <a href="https://www.theremnantwarehouse.com.au/crochet-butterfly-lace-white.html" target="_blank">you can find it here.</a><br />
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The lovely Anne at Pretty Grievances also gave me my <a href="http://prttynpnk.com/2015/01/11/purrfect-pairings/" target="_blank">Sabertooth SWAP partner</a>. This is where we swap animal print fabric with a partner who then makes an item with it.<br />
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It was really exciting to receive fabric from Barbara at <a href="http://barbarajanemade.com/" target="_blank">Barbara Jane Made</a>. (And great to find another Aussie sewist). Barbara gifted me this lovely knit (and 2 spools of matching cotton - oh yeah!) and now I am deciding on what to make of it. It is thick without being too hot like ponte and has a nice recovery.<br />
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These are my picks. I can either make a top or use it for panels in a dress. I am leaning towards the top in the lower left corner.<br />
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Wish me luck.<br />
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Now before I go I want to share a tip I read on <a href="http://sewingontheedge.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/fusible-thread.html" target="_blank">Sewing on the Edge</a>. This tip is sure to CHANGE MY LIFE!!!!!! At the moment I and sitting in the loungeroom having a rest after the mammoth task of ironing steam a seam on the neckline and armholes of a dress (believe me - it is a mammoth task - especially in today's heat). Using Barbara's tip I shouldn't have to do that anymore. If you are one of the few who don't follow her or if you missed the post - <a href="http://sewingontheedge.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/fusible-thread.html" target="_blank">check it out.</a><br />
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P.S. I wrote this yesterday but hadn't taken the pics. The temperature has dropped 18 degrees celsius today (that is over 64 degrees fahrenheit) and it is actually cool - hallelujah.<br />
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Happy Australia Day to my fellow Aussies<br />
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Have a good sewing day.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-59020692853542165372014-12-25T08:49:00.001+11:002014-12-25T08:49:25.177+11:00Merry Christmas and a Blog Give Away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas from down-under.<br />
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Thank you all for your support through the year. I have enjoyed reading your posts and your comments to my posts. I have loved the sense of community the sewing blogs bring and am really thrilled to "get to know you" all.<br />
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I had my recent blog anniversary and have drawn a winner for the $35 voucher.<br />
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I used the random calculator to pick a post from the year and it picked this one <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butterick-5855-and-stylearc-shelly-top.html#comments" target="_blank">http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butterick-5855-and-stylearc-shelly-top.html#comments</a> .<br />
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I then used the calculator to pick a number out of the comments and it the comment from the lovely Sarah Liz.<br />
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Sarah, please email me you preference for the shop for the voucher to<br />
<br />
bevinvest at bigpond dot com<br />
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Congratulations<br />
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For those who don't celebrate Christmas - have a wonderful holiday season.<br />
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For everyone else.......<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-32639913303876723752014-12-14T09:17:00.002+11:002014-12-14T09:17:34.307+11:00Advice required - linings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi all, I need some advice for the blogisphere from those who line garments.<br />
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I do not. The reason being - I have a hot bod........... temperature wise that is.... LOL.<br />
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The 2 dresses that I have lined - <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/simplicity-4014-red-dress.html" target="_blank">the red one</a> and <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itwGWlcYtPw/UWycntp2T9I/AAAAAAAABho/EOWt-dwwApE/s640/111.png" target="_blank">the brown one</a> - have gone to the big sewing bin in the sky. I just couldn't wear them - they cooked me. I thought about taking out the lining but the actual fabric is too hot too.<br />
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In the midst of winter here in Sydney I would usually just add a thicker cardi and closed in shoes to my wardrobe. I did feel the cold last winter but that was in my very cold home. When I go out to work the premises are always well heated.<br />
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Now I need to use lining. It needs to be stretchy.<br />
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Any advice as to what to get and where to get it? I do have some stretch lining here but it is a little too thick for my liking. I did read somewhere that someone used swimming lining for clothing. Would that work?<br />
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Hope you are all having a superb weekend.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-83624541338314418452014-12-11T12:22:00.001+11:002014-12-11T12:47:48.274+11:00Blog anniversary coming up and my 3rd year sewing review.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well - it is rolling around again - my sewing and blogging anniversary. I have now been sewing for 3 years and will have been blogging for 3 years on the 17th (although I have not sewn anything in the last 6 months!!!!)<br />
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First a review of the year and then an announcement of a bloggiversary gift.<br />
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I was much more productive before I hurt my knee.<br />
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1 - Snake skin dress - part of the tradition of Jungle January.... Bring it on!!! This is a house dress as the shape doesn't really suit me. It is worn a lot - as a matter of fact I am wearing it now. It does not travel outside of the front door though.<br />
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2 - Never worn - I don't know why. I must wear it soon<br />
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3 - Wadder - went straight into the bin<br />
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4 - Loved this top but it shredded at the seams on the first wear. Sigh.<br />
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5 - A representation of the 7 pairs of Barbs I made. I wear them all. They are the most worn items of my wardrobe. They are so comfy.<br />
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6 - Creative Cate top. Most worn top from this year - very happy with this.<br />
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7 - too scared to wear after the issue of the shredding of number 4 as it is the same pattern. Will have to grit my teeth and wear.<br />
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8 & 9 - home wear only - do sometimes wear out to shops etc but not for business wear.<br />
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10 - Occasional business wear.<br />
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11 & 12 - weekend wear. I was going to put 12 as work wear but after all of my careful pattern placement I have noticed some <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDaweytCSac/U5fzxa-v_-I/AAAAAAAACg8/fExakXSNqA8/s1600/Picture1.jpg" target="_blank">alien looking fallopian tubes</a> in the photo so now relegated to weekend only.<br />
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13 - still needs adjustments to be made<br />
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14 - Will add to my work wardrobe when the weather warms up. This was started many many months ago and only finished last month.<br />
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Well - not a very productive year for me. I am happily cutting away ready to get my sewjo back. I have way too many things in the pipeline. I just have to get into the rhythm again. I still can't sit in a chair for too long. I have to put my leg up regularly. I get by at work by putting my leg on another chair. I am looking forward to sewing though. I just need to start.<br />
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Bloggiversary</h3>
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Now - my actual bloggiversay is on the 17th and on that day I will draw a winner for my bloggiversary gift.<br />
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There has been a plethora of indie patterns being released (<a href="http://happilycaffeinated.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Michelle from happily caffeinated</a> does a weekly roundup of new patterns if you are interested), not to mention the big 4, fabric stores are having sales and there is always the room for more fabric or patterns in the life of a sewist.<br />
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I really really appreciate the people who read my blog and absolutely adore those who take the time to comment. In deep thanks for your support I would like to give a AUS$35 voucher to a person who has commented on my blog in the last year. YOU choose the store the voucher is for.<br />
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There are a couple of rules:<br />
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<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>I must be able to purchase the voucher online and have it put in your name.</li>
<li>The voucher must be for a sewing purchase. It doesn't matter what - notions, patterns, fabric, magazine subscription etc.</li>
<li>You must post what you purchase on your blog. If you don't have a blog then email me and let me know what you purchased with the voucher.</li>
</ol>
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So, those who have wanted to try an indie pattern but put off by the price, those who want to purchase fabric from OS but put off by the shipping - you can put the voucher toward this if you want. Mind you - if you are in Australia then it will only go a SHORT way towards shipping LOL - but it will help. You decide.<br />
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Tune in on the 17th Sydney time to see if you have won. I will use a random number calculator using the numbers on comments from last year to this year so the more you commented the more chance you have of winning.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-39732101869967095832014-11-03T08:57:00.000+11:002014-11-03T09:09:18.271+11:00StyleArc Harper Jacket and a wadder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First I would like to thank all for your lovely comments on my SWAP plan. Of course I wish I had the shape of the images - they all look fab on the plan (I did widen them a little) but my sewing skills in additon to my round bod will make them look somewhat different ;-0<br />
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Below is the StyleArc Harper Jacket. It has been wrapped around <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/evolution-of-babs-and-other-things.html" target="_blank">Babs </a>keeping her warm waiting on a photo opportunity.. This was made in a lovely navy stretch crepe from EmmaOneSock. I have ordered more and will eventually make a skirt and a pair of Linda pants for the Artisan Square SWAP.<br />
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Now it will be worn as per in the SWAP plan - not with the outfit shown here. Also it was very very windy and it was difficult to keep the lapels from flying everywhere and I was trying to keep my hair out of my eyes.<br />
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Orignially I wanted to use this jacket as one of the 5 tops needed for the SWAP rules as it is designed to be worn either open as above or closed with the supplied hook and eyes.<br />
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Now I don't normally wear it closed as I don't like high necklines so I closed it up and took a picture of it closed and - well let us just say that I have changed my mind about using it as a top... Not going to happen.<br />
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In the interest of showing the not so good.... here it is.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emJgTPeU4ow/VFahqsUYRjI/AAAAAAAACxc/0NGr1AM5RuE/s1600/sw2Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emJgTPeU4ow/VFahqsUYRjI/AAAAAAAACxc/0NGr1AM5RuE/s1600/sw2Picture1.png" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still trying to keep the hair from flying in the eyes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Nuh - definitely not!!! Now don't blame Harper. You can see the gorgeous <a href="http://clothingengineer.com/2013/09/style-arc-harper-jacket/" target="_blank">Anne from Clothing Engineer </a>wears it well.<br />
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I also have a lovely SA Abby cardi I did on the weekend away last May and now finished but it needs a plain top - which is a hole in the wardrobe..<br />
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Now onto the wadder.<br />
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I wanted to participate in the trend of patterned pants and looked at the StyleArc Lola pants.... but common sense (and Trinny and Suzanna) say that if you are large in the top half you need to balance that out in the lower half so I didn't think tapered pants were the answer. I also fell in lurve with these pants in RTW<br />
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Hence I went with Linda pants and just added more fabric to accommodate the lack of stretch. I ended up wishing I had added more ease. (More about that later)<br />
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The fabric was from an el-cheapo fabric store in Marrickville. It looks and feels like a Rayon challis but for the price I don't think so. Probably a poly cotton. Forgot to look. Excuse the fuzzy picture but for some reason my camera has decided not to flash any more which makes indoor pictures fuzzy. Need to update.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBhWcpAIWAE/VFamcJfdN6I/AAAAAAAACx8/eFHAsaGrP6o/s1600/DSCN2963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBhWcpAIWAE/VFamcJfdN6I/AAAAAAAACx8/eFHAsaGrP6o/s1600/DSCN2963.JPG" height="640" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops - note to self - don't take morning pics still in nightie when there is a mirror behind photographed item.</td></tr>
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Any hoo - el-cheapo thin fabric plus lack of ease - hmmmm bent over to put on shoes and heard that unmistakable sound ------------ rippppppppppp. Not worth trying to save. Fabric is too thin.<br />
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On the chopping board - oops - cutting table.<br />
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I have cut a trial in taupe jersey for the StyleArc Fiona cardi. It is a fabric hog with that band. If it goes well I will do it in an orange for my SWAP.<br />
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That's it for now. Wow - 2 posts in 2 days.... </div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-75816656715950402522014-11-02T08:24:00.000+11:002014-11-02T09:14:25.764+11:00It is that time of the year again..... SWAP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First let me say sewing has happened here at Chez BeaJay but haven't had the opportunity to take pics. I am doing small amounts of sewing at a time and managed to finish a few things. Will post as soon as I can.<br />
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Over at<a href="http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,24283.msg404565.html#msg404565" target="_blank"> Artisans Square i</a>t is the annual SWAP - sewing with a plan. I have entered for 2 years now.<br />
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I was eagerly awaiting the posting of the rules this year and now they are up *sigh* - not what I was hoping for.<br />
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***** Edited to add - after some suggestions over at Artisan's Square - especially a brilliant easy one from <a href="http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Ruthie </a>- I am IN *********<br />
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The first year I didn't get much done. Finished a few items, but didn't get near 11 items done. But I did learn that the items I chose, I did so just to fit my idea of what the "wardrobe" should be. I looked in my stash and chose fabrics that would go together and items that met the rules. One of the reasons I didn't finish is that I was "stuck" with my plan. My base colour was teal and when I had a couple of wadders I couldn't fit anything else in.<br />
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Last year the rules were more flexible and although I didn't finish it was more because I ran out of energy and time.. but I made quite a bit of way through it and came up with clothes that I wear on a regular basis and have built on.<br />
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I liked the flexible rules but they have gone back to basics and on top of that added a "twist" and while this may suit a lot of people - not so much me.<br />
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I have been thinking about SWAP since I saw the fantastic plan from <a href="http://petiteandsewing.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/24-garments-377-outfits.html" target="_blank">Sharon at Petite and Sewing</a>. It has lots of neutrals in so I have learnt from that and decided to give myself a palette that I can work colour into instead of basing it on colour.<br />
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This year I have planned out 2 SWAPs - don't know which one I will go with - but I am going to go ahead with one on my own. Whether or not I make changes to fit into the Artisan Square SWAP or not - I haven't decided.<br />
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I am very pleased with both choices and that is the main thing - that what I sew works for me - not for a contest.<br />
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Both have very basic neutrals to build on. The first one navy and oat and the second one oat, butter and brown. They have some cross over items. There are also lots of choices I can have if things don't work out. I am learning.<br />
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Option 1 has 12 items. If I go out on my own I don't need to change this but if I do change for Artisan's Square then I will take out an item.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Option 1</h3>
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Most of the navy is Hi-tech matte hybrid stretch crepe from EmmaOneSock with the exception of the top which will be linen. The oat is a lightweight tropical wool and the hounds-tooth is a raw silk. At the end is a lovely brushed cotton / lycra from EmmaOneSock. The other fabrics are ity jersey, viscose knit and a rayon spandex.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Option 2</h3>
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This one has the same oat tropical wool, a linen dress, a chocolate tropical wool dress, a raw silk dress, a divine chocolate and butter silk caftan, a blouse in a lovely silk from Remnants Warehouse and a shell top in a gorgeous georgette from Gorgeous Fabrics and a jersey cardi.<br />
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This is how both will work as wardrobes.<br />
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Gee- neutrals are starting to rock my world.<br />
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And now I just need to be all grown up and pick a plan and stick to the neutrals.<br />
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What about you? Are you going with a plan - be it the Artisan's Square SWAP or one of your own.<br />
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The good thing about going out on my own is that I can start and end it when ever I like.<br />
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***** Edited to add - after some suggestions over at Artisan's Square - especially a brilliant easy one from <a href="http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Ruthie </a>- I am IN *********</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-87112185751502410932014-09-29T08:18:00.000+10:002014-09-29T13:56:26.082+10:00MIA and now hopping around the blogging world<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MIA - Missing in Action - otherwise known as Miserably Inconvenient Arthritis and Meniscus Injured (and needs) Arthrosopy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have spent the Sydney winter hibernating and doing not much of anything let alone sewing. I don't know if this winter was particularly harsh (I know I know - compared to the rest of the planet Sydney has a very mild winter)... or if I am just getting older and more rusty but the cold really hit me hard this year. Sydney just doesn't cater for winter and I only have a small bar heater to warm me up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Along with the usual suspects of hip, foot, shoulder and elbow, I have developed a searing pain in the right knee. So much so that even driving is difficult - let alone walking or pressing the foot on the sewing machine accelerator. An x-ray showed the usual arthritis in addition to my tibia and femur being out of alignment, shards of bone floating around and my kneecap not where it should be. An MRI then showed a severe tear in the meniscus - so - pain..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I am happily now on the hospital waiting list for a knee operation and carefully taking anti-inflammatory medication. Won't be a full knee reconstruction as I am still young - according to my surgeon - isn't he nice... but he will go in and fix up my issues. Just have to wait my turn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />So I haven't been sewing - cutting - or anywhere near the sewing room since July... Wow. No sewing meant no blogging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I have tried to keep up with all of my blog reading and what you all have been up to and I have been reading about the around the world blog hopping and learning more about the bloggers I read. The lovely Michelle from <a href="http://happilycaffeinated.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Happily Caffienated </a> was a recent blog hopper (go on <a href="http://happilycaffeinated.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/around-world-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">over</a> and learn all about her) and she has very kindly nominated me to go on the next leg of the hop.. I thought it would be a good way to ease myself back into the blogging world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea of the blog hop is to learn a little more about the bloggers you read - so there are questions to answer:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>1. What am I working
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>So many different things my head is spinning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Spring has hit me with a bang (hopefully not causing more injuries!!) and I am starting to really want to sew again - knee pain or no knee pain. I have also been <i>trying </i><b>not to</b> purchase lovely fabrics. I did clean out my sewing space yesterday in preparation for a long sewing binge now that the weather is warming up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last thing I was working on before my hibernation was a jacket that a friend is helping me with and a skirt block that I started in a class with the ASG. It will be great to get going on the jacket again. I am also hoping to pull out the skirt block and see what I can do with that. May end up with a business suit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also want to make another pair of StyleArc pants - this time the Linda pants in a lovely Crepe from Emma One Sock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I also want to make the StyleArc Fiona Top. I actually purchased orange jersey so fingers crossed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another pattern on my list is the below Lekala top. I want to give another go to Lekala patterns - the first one is still waiting to be sewn up. I am hoping this one will suit me and the gathers won't add too much bulk but hide some bulges.! What do you think - flattering for a plus size or OMG what was she thinking??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I play with these to get me into the flow of sewing again I really want to build a neutral wardrobe. I have been awed by </span><a href="http://petiteandsewing.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/24-garments-377-outfits.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Sharon at Petite and Sewing's wonderful wardrobe creation</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. She managed an amazing 377 outfits out of 24 pieces of clothing. My problems is that I have way too much colour and patterned items and not many neutrals. I need much more neutrals. </span><br />
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2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>I don't think it really differs apart from size, skill level and what we want to sew. Certainly there are many other sewists out there in the blogisphere who are creating things similar to mine. There are also ones who are creating much more complex items and ones who are at the very beginning of this ride. I don't see my sewing as any different, I just see us creating what we want and / or need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">3. Why do I write/create what I do?</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do I write? Stared out purely as a journal, a way of keeping track of what I have done. Now it is a way of connecting. I have always been a writer and have written 2 unpublished books and many many many learning resources, manuals, assessor guides etc. I have also just started writing and designing e-learning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do I create what I do? The need to have good, colourful, modern and accessible clothes that </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a) fit better than I can buy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">b) don't cost an arm and a leg - come on - I know more fabric means more cost but surely not $100 more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c) That are not black or tent like</span></div>
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4. How does my writing/creating process work?</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>Wish I could say there was a method to my madness but there is more madness to my method. I LOVE LOVE LOVE planning but not so much the carrying out thereof. I find myself distracted with shiny pretty new things and a plan will go out the window the minute there is a new release of patterns or I see a pattern on a blog or PR that I just have to do or I fail in my endeavours to stop buying fabric and a new arrival passes the threshold of chez BeaJay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />As for my writing process. I just sit down and write. This is not what I tell my students to do when I teach writing but hey - do as I say and not as I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I would like to pass the baton..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />There are many wonderful bloggers that I would like to learn about.. However I have decided to flout the rules and nominate only one person. I find that it can be difficult to locate people who haven't been nominated and want to participate after a while so I thought that nominating only one blogger leaves room for more. Well that is my logic anyway.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am nominating the lovely Angela at <a href="http://collectedyarns.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Collected Yarns</a>. I was inspired by her lovely grey and white chiffon summer dress and the trials she had with it. She persevered and the dress is gorgeous. Check it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so nice to come out of hibernation.</span><br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-79176409773278534622014-07-13T11:37:00.000+10:002014-07-13T11:37:50.109+10:00Big hugs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thank you all so much for your loving warm comments on my last post. It wasn't my intention to sound so upset - I really do feel that I want to evolve in my sewing and the comment that started my post made me realise it.<br />
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I am very happy with my pull on Barbs (and am in the midst of making some more pull on ponte pants from a different pattern) and I do love my Creative Cates and will be making more of those too.<br />
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But I do want to step it up a bit and as a business and management trainer I could use some tailored jackets and non knit dresses.<br />
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It has been a hell of a month (or so) and I guess that is why the comment hit me too.<br />
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- I started off really sick - better now - but lost a lot of time<br />
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- Next I lost my iPhone and had to replace - hadn't backed it up for some time too so am missing a lot of numbers.<br />
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- Then my computer (with all of my business stuff on it) started to sizzle so I had to buy a new computer and I haven't moved all of my stuff over so I am working between 2 computers.<br />
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- My credit card was hacked and someone purchased thousands of dollars worth of stuff which luckily my bank is reversing - however had to go through all of the cancellation and redo of direct payments<br />
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- My PVR corrupted a 1 terabyte portable drive I have so now it can't be used on my computer - or anywhere for that matter.<br />
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- Yesterday I was so pleased to be having a day sewing with my sewing buddies at Tessutis - got up early to finish cutting some patterns to sew. Packed my car with my machines and drove into Surry Hills only to find that I had the dates mixed up (Tessutis is next Saturday) and I should have been all the way across town at the Sewing Guild Industry Day - which I was looking forward to attending (using a new computer without my calendar updated obviously tested my memory which failed.) By the time I got home from Tessutis it wasn't worth going out to the industry day.<br />
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- Last night my new computer contracted a virus that was attacking it every second and I have spent 4 hours this morning "cleansing" it...<br />
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Phew - not looking for sympathy - just saying the warm comments actually bought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful community the sewing community is. In the scheme of things the above is nothing but a hassle and there are so many people actually suffering out there that I realise how lucky I am.<br />
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Reading through the comments I have made a decision on my challenge - yes I really do want to challenge myself.<br />
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A lovely dress (using my best fabric) with an invisible zip and Hong Kong finishes it will be. For the moment. I am working on a mini wardrobe so after that I will do my challenge.<br />
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I am going to save the Georgette top too. Keep tuned to find out how... I have some good ideas....no - make that great ideas :-)<br />
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In the meantime - love and hugs to all. I will always remember your kind words.<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-91138045612691506752014-07-11T10:02:00.000+10:002014-07-11T10:46:44.628+10:00Do you take random comments personally?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I ask this question because I was involved in my favourite breakfast ritual - having my tea and crumpet whilst reading my favourite sewing blogs and one of the comments left on a fave blog set my teeth on edge.<br />
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As a trainer I often facilitate discussions on conflict in the workplace, managing poor behaviour etc and I say to my students that taking someone's non directed comment personally says much more about you than about them. Why do you take something personally that wasn't personally aimed at you. It is about self confidence - the self confident person would not think the comment was aimed at them.<br />
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Herein lies the rub. I am not a confident sewist by any stretch of the imagination. I look in awe at the wonderful creations that others make and here I am making another pull on top and another pull on pair of trousers. Sigh.<br />
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The comment that had me so riled was about the lack of effort put in to their sewing by a lot of new bloggers.<br />
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Immediately a soliloquy started - "Often new bloggers are new sewers and not that experienced"! "People should be able to sew what they want and not be judged - after all we are sewing for ourselves"! I still feel like I am 5 years old when sewing - how refined was your sewing when you were 5?"! etc. etc.<br />
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Then I realised I was doing what I lecture my students on not doing. Taking something personally. This was one person giving her opinion <b>on which she is just as entitled to do</b> as I am to sew what I want. Believe me - this post is about me - not the commentator.<br />
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Why I reacted was because I feel that way about myself so it hit where it hurts. I am NOT putting in the effort. I am sewing comfortably instead of trying new things. Part of that is because I need clothes desperately so need to fill the wardrobe, part is because when I try new things they often fail.. Here is one such item.. I moved out of my comfort zone and made a Georgette tunic instead of a knit.<br />
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I was quite happy with this when I made it. I thought the fit was spot on - not too tight - not too loose - just right. However - this must not have been the case. The first and only time I wore it - to work in front of a class of 10 - it didn't hold up. I was driving home and felt something on my back shoulder - reached behind to scratch and was <i>horrified </i>to find flesh there instead of fabric.... Got home BOTH shoulder seams were split.<br />
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Next day I asked the class why they didn't tell me and they assured me that they didn't notice - hmmmm. I am too scared to wear the <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/artisans-square-3pac-and-more.html" target="_blank">chiffon tunic</a> I made now.<br />
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This week I am sewing my first pockets. In seam pockets in pull on pants!!<br />
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I started sewing in October 2011 and will be sewing for 3 years this October. Sometimes I feel I have really progressed but when I look at all of the things I want to do I feel totally inadequate. My list of skills assessment has only had one update since I put it in and that was French Seams.<br />
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So -- I would like one challenge to do. I am putting it out there. Give me a challenge. I don't care how hard. Although the more difficult the challenge the longer I will take to complete. I am hoping to get a lot of suggestions and the most suggested challenge I will complete before the end of this year (or sooner if it is easier). Because when I mean complete I mean to a competent standard so it might take a few goes.<br />
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Any suggestions?</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-52081657114278795822014-07-02T08:14:00.003+10:002014-07-02T08:14:34.225+10:00StyleArc giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you have wanted to try StyleArc but have been unsure of the sizing etc, there is a current offer going on through Threads magazine to get a free downloadable Barb Pants pattern.<br />
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Remember my Barbs?<br />
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Go here for the opportunity. You need to sign up for a newsletter.<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-24124477639483051302014-06-11T16:42:00.000+10:002014-06-11T16:42:25.814+10:00Yet more StyleArc Creative Cates and a Simplicity 3699<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are another 2 tops I mostly completed on <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/wot-i-dun-on-weekend-by-beajay.html" target="_blank">THE WEEKEND</a>. All that needed to be done was the hemming. This has now been completed.<br />
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Nothing new here - I am only really blogging about them as this is my sewing journal to keep track of my items sewn (although I am pleased with them). They are the same as all my other Cates (which is my all time favourite top pattern). I make other tops but they never seem to feel or look as good as Cate.<br />
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The first one is from some of the fabric purchased during<a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/on-road-again.html" target="_blank"> the trip to Cabramatta</a>. The most difficult part of this creation was the fabric placement.<br />
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Can you see what my issue was (hint - long udders and a tip underneath to boot!!!).<br />
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I then tried turning the fabric around and found that one of the now upended udders was in the centre of my stomach - another risky look.<br />
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With careful shifting around (and input from my fellow sewists) I got what I think is the best look. I didn't have a lot of room with the repeat of the fabric and just managed to get it positioned for a wearable top.<br />
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The fabric brings to mind Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom movie for some obscure reason. The pics below are a little unfocussed in some areas as I am learning to use the delay switch on my camera along with the new gorrilapod I purchased after reading about it on <a href="http://www.upsewlate.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Up Sew Late's blog</a>. Thought I would give my official photographer a break. Would love a remote control camera but apparently they are only available on SLR cameras. :-( My legs look like they are still moving in some of the pics!!<br />
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The other Cate is made from fabric I purchased some time ago from fabric.com. It has the most divine "suede" feel to it even though it isn't suede. It has both splashes of red and orange with a line of gold dots.<br />
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In the above pictures I am wearing my orange Barbs and in the below pictures I am wearing my red Barbs. In the pictures there doesn't look like there is much difference but in life they are definite orange and definite red.<br />
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I am happy with both Cates. I now have 6 of them.<br />
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The final top on show is the Khalia Ali Simplicity 3699<br />
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I had to lower the empire seam and I lowered it a little too much. I added 5 inches. If I make this again I will bring it up a couple of inches. Now I like myself a low neckline - the girls like the light - but this was soo low that I had to put a cami on. I think I will try raising it by the shoulders which should bring up both the neckline and the too low empire seam. It is also a little tight around the tum in the picture. I seem to make my tops either too loose or too tight.<br />
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I am on the fence with the look of this one. I will have to see how it wears. This wasn't started on the weekend away but was prompted by the fact that winter has finally come to Sydney and this fabric is quite thick and warm (warm enough for Sydney Winters and my stage in life LOL). It is from the <a href="http://www.knitwit.com.au/Knitwit-Winter-2014-2.html" target="_blank">latest Knitwit collection</a> and I quite like the fabric. I also purchased it in the Smoke Green but I am thinking the teal would have been the nicest. I am trying to go a bit more "neutral" after all of my colourful Barbs and tops however I am missing my colour.<br />
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I still have another top - this time a Anne top - and an Abby Cardigan that I did on the weekend away that need a bit of finishing and then I will have a think about what I want to do next. I am so enjoying sewing and expanding my wardrobe.</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-51020132931728299092014-05-29T10:07:00.001+10:002014-05-29T10:08:32.851+10:00Crime Scene Adele<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The second top I finished on<a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/wot-i-dun-on-weekend-by-beajay.html" target="_blank"> THE WEEKEND</a> was the StyleArc Adele top which is a lovely tee with an asymmetrical point on the hem.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lteg48x_K3g/U4Z0uY9VcdI/AAAAAAAACgQ/yN4yIZPV6aM/s1600/Adele_Top_4eae57e1c42d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lteg48x_K3g/U4Z0uY9VcdI/AAAAAAAACgQ/yN4yIZPV6aM/s1600/Adele_Top_4eae57e1c42d8.jpg" /></a></div>
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Why do I call it the Crime Scene Adele? Take a look at the fabric I used!!<br />
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Thought it would go well with my red Barbs.<br />
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The only change I made was to lower and widen the neckline a little as the girls need their space. I also had to cut my own neckband as I had changed the pattern. I used the shorter sleeve version and did not sew the side slit.<br />
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I held the pattern up against me and thought I wouldn't need to make the 2 inch (5cm) lengthening adjustment I normally make to StyleArc ( I am a tall chick) however looking at the pictures I think the front could come down an inch or so. For my next version (I do like it so I will make another) I will add the inch to the front by way of lowering the point rather than just adding an inch to the pattern as I think the point needs to be bigger on my bigger bod.<br />
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The fabric is a cotton rib that I purchased online from Denver Fabrics and has been marinading in my stash for a couple of years. I do love the fabric but a touch of lycra would have been good to give it recovery.<br />
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I was a little worried on how to do the point on my coverstitch and ended up starting at a point and sewing around to the back point. Then starting again at that point. It worked okay. If anyone has a tip on how to do points with 2 needles I would be very interested.<br />
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Overall happy for a first go at this pattern. I don't like doing muslins but I will call it a wearable muslin. I am considering putting darts in the bust of the next one. What do you think? There are some that don't like darts in knits but I think the girls might need them.<br />
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Still need to hem the other items from the weekend. </div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-26963444085366369532014-05-26T17:59:00.000+10:002014-06-10T12:46:00.643+10:00Wot I dun on the weekend by BeaJay <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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First let me apologise for the title of this post. I have just finished 4 weeks of training Certificate III in Business and some of my students were just out of school and insisted on calling me "Miss". Groan groan. Took me right back to kindy.<br />
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Anyway my weekend was wonderful.<br />
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I have had a fabulous couple of days down at Stanwell Tops! I was joined by about 29 other sewing ladies from the <a href="http://www.aussew.org.au/" target="_blank">Australian Sewing Guild</a> and in particular the Rhodes and Alexandria groups, for a weekend of stitching our way through tonnes of fabric.<br />
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This is picture heavy but I do have a new outfit picture at the end of the post for show and tell.<br />
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This is where we stayed:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUePIgD0y_A/U4J6gw_NruI/AAAAAAAACds/diGqf0O0dMk/s1600/aerial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUePIgD0y_A/U4J6gw_NruI/AAAAAAAACds/diGqf0O0dMk/s1600/aerial.jpg" height="256" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arial View - Picture from The Tops Conference Centre website</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blZRmO4x_gU/U4J6xNz3H3I/AAAAAAAACd0/WnYPHTfzbzM/s1600/TOPS_527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blZRmO4x_gU/U4J6xNz3H3I/AAAAAAAACd0/WnYPHTfzbzM/s1600/TOPS_527.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside view - Picture from The Tops Conference Centre website</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCGpwmlKkBQ/U4J6zOfvifI/AAAAAAAACd8/AihPF7z06XU/s1600/StdRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCGpwmlKkBQ/U4J6zOfvifI/AAAAAAAACd8/AihPF7z06XU/s1600/StdRoom.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Accommodation - Picture from The Tops
Conference Centre website</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">It had a real fun camp feel to the weekend and I
couldn't help but sing Kumbaya. The air was fresh, the sky blue, the
surrounding countryside an amazing green and food was delicious.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Here we are stuffing our face - they didn't stop
feeding us.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Above are some great friends from my sewing group.<br />
Front left Sharon from <a href="http://petiteandsewing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Petite and Sewing</a><br />
Jinty - no blog<br />
Kristy from <a href="http://loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Lower Your Pressure Foot</a><br />
Sandra - no blog but you can see her marvelous work on <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/members/Dilliander" target="_blank">Pattern Review where she is Dilliander</a><br />
Cathy - no blog<br />
Gail from <a href="http://myfabrication.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">My Fabrication</a><br />
A new friend who's name I can't remember<br />
And Wendy ( in green top) - no blog<br />
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Below is our sewing room with Wendy industriously at her machine.<br />
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Here is my area with my weapons of mass construction<br />
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Someone brought a friend. <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Diana%20Dress%20Form%3B%20Babs" target="_blank">Babs</a> was highly annoyed that I didn't invite her. I told her there wasn't room in the car. She is still not talking to me.<br />
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Here is Kristy, Jinty and Di hard at work cutting and prepping.<br />
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Wendy from <a href="http://costumesfromashoebox.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Costumes from a Shoe Box</a> is always highly entertaining and makes it even more of a fun time.<br />
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Here is the view from our sewing room:<br />
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I managed to rustle up almost 6 tops. I say almost as one was a UFO and only needed finishing, 2 have been completely finished and 3 need hemming. After making all of my different coloured Barb pants I needed tops.<br />
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Here is the UFO now finished - sort of. I do want to bring the sides seams in a bit.<br />
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It is <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5855-products-44673.php?page_id=974" target="_blank">Butterick 5855</a> which I have <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butterick-5855-and-stylearc-shelly-top.html" target="_blank">sewn before</a> but this time I kept the "sleeves" shorter as the first time I was trying to incorporate a border. It is pictured with a pair of lime green StylyArc Barb pants that I have cut off at under the knee to make capris. I thought a full pant in lime green might just be OTT. I also gave the Barbs a tiny "flare" at the bottom. Warning warning warning - put on your sunnies. I can direct traffic with this high viz gear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sandra (Dilliander) - thanking you<br />
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The wrinkles on the bengaline pants are from hours sitting and sewing. The Bengaline is from StyleArc and the groovy 60's top fabric is from <a href="http://www.voguefabricsstore.com/VF132-12-Patricia-Panache-Art-Deco-Inspired-Polyester-Matte-Jersey-Knit-Print-Fabric.html" target="_blank">Vogue Fabrics.com</a>. It was labeled as a knit but is quite a firm knit with very little stretch. I must admit that I do like the flashback deco look of it.<strike> It is still available if anyone else wants to be safe at night.</strike> It has now sold out.<br />
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All in all a very comfy outfit that will do well for my weekend wear. I see more Barb capris and Butterick 5855s coming up in my future. Maybe more toward our Spring as we will be starting Winter in 5 days - not that you would know it with a balmy 28 degrees Celsius (82.4F) forecast for tomorrow.<br />
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More later - I will take piccies of my other items when I can.<br />
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A big huge gigantic thanks to the lovely Sharon from <a href="http://petiteandsewing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Petite and Sewing</a> for organising such a wonderful weekend.<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-71491713684996644972014-05-20T07:32:00.000+10:002014-05-20T07:32:01.631+10:00On the Road Again.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just in case you have been wondering where I have been....<br />
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This is the marking I have been bringing home from the Certificate III in Business that I have been teaching so no sewing has been happening at Chez BeaJay.<br />
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I did take a day off on Sunday to welcome the gorgeous <a href="http://yousewgirl.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Lynn from You Sew Girl</a> to Sydney Australia and a bunch of us sewists went on a fabric tour of Cabramatta which is like a little Vietnam here in the land of OZ.<br />
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It was fantastic to meet Lynn - what a real treat to have a face to face with a blogger that I have followed for a long time - she is now a honorary Aussie.<br />
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Lynn was so kind as to bring gift from across the sea to us. Gifts that <i>she had made herself!! </i>I am so honoured and to think that they had traveled all this way in her luggage. A beautiful cup and some hand made buttons - you should have seen all of us bower-birds when the buttons were put on the table. The cup was a special gift and I also managed to snag myself some of the buttons.<br />
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Aren't they gorgeous? Lynn is a very talented potter.<br />
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Those with an eagle eye may have spotted some fabric in the background of the first picture. Well - you can't go to a suburb with so many fabric stores and not buy anything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A snakeskin knit to be made into a StyleArc Creative Cate top</span></td></tr>
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Next weekend I am off to Stanwell Tops for a sewing weekend with some of my favourite people and I am like a kid waiting for Christmas. I have purchased new PJs and undies because I am GOING AWAY and there is something so nice about packing new never worn undies and PJs.............. so much to pack. I have made a list but am sure I will forget something! I am sure that I will have lots of pretties to bring to show and tell after.<br />
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Have a good one.<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-10353223984264416342014-04-26T10:13:00.000+10:002014-04-26T10:13:45.472+10:00Update <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The lovely <a href="http://lyndasewing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Lynda</a> from Lynda's Sewing and Swaps stopped by my blog to see if I was okay as I haven't blogged for a month and have also been a little behind in my blog reading. How lovely to think that someone across the ocean is thinking of you. It really makes my heart feel warm to know that I have made such good sewing buddies. So I thought I would update you on what is happening on the road to sew wear.<br />
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First I would like to thank all who gave advice on the problem I was having with World Press. Chris - your solution of pulling down the edges worked. Thanks.<br />
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Also a huge thanks to Rhonda Buss from <a href="http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Rhonda's Creative Life</a> who posted to me all the way from the USofA a wonderful Sew Stylish magazine that she is featured in. I was lucky enough to win it on her blog (on my birthday at that!!!!) and I really enjoyed reading all of the great articles. Very informative.. It was very generous of her to pay for the postage (which was eye popping) - what else would you expect from someone who put a lot of time and effort into her inspiring Mary Bridge project and is a pilot who rescues animals. My absolute hero.</div>
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And I was also amazed to see our (Australia's) gorgeous Pete Evans on the inside back cover...<br />
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If you want to see Pete in action you can watch episodes of <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/my-kitchen-rules/?_s_ref=AI61U9f3S&kw=%22my%20kitchen%20rules%22&creative=25135599724" target="_blank">My Kitchen Rules on Chanel 7</a> where he is a judge along with the smooth and delicious Manu Feidel. Yum - and I am not talking about the food.</div>
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I would also like to say a big thanks to <a href="http://seamedstraightforward.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Fiona from Seams Straightforward</a> and <a href="http://yousewgirl.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Lynelle from You Sew Girl </a> who were worthy recipients of the Leibster Award and kindly passed it to me. Also the gorgeous and prolific creator of lovely suits <a href="http://sewingfunthings.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Dorothy Dotdot at Sewing fun things</a>, who received and passed on to me the Sunshine award. Thank you ladies - I am warmed and humbled by your awarding this to me. As I have been a past recipient of the Leibster (thanking <a href="http://valeriesownsewingblog.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Valerie from Valerie's Own Blog</a>) I won't go into all of the questions and passing on but I do want you to know how grateful I am that you read and enjoy my little blog. </div>
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In other news I spent some time a few weeks ago exploring a bit of the "wholesale" end of sewing in Sydney. Thanks to a class I attended with my local ASG (on fitting - fab class) I found out that there is a gem of a place in Surry Hills called E M Greenfield (30 Ann Street Surry Hills) which is a warehouse for sewing bits and bobs. Up two flights of stairs (Phew puff puff) I found an Aladdin's cave of magnificence. </div>
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A while back I purchased this much 2 inch knitted elastic (great for the waistband of the SA Barb pants) for $7.50 a metre</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 metre $7.50<br />
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Yesterday I purchased this much of 2 inch knitted elastic (exactly the same) from EM Greenfield for $12.50 for the WHOLE ROLL - a massive 50 cents a metre.......... Woo hoo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 metres for $12.50</td></tr>
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There was so much stuff that I would need a week just for one aisle. And I didn't even venture up the next flight of stairs to the fabric. Gotta love this place.</div>
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I also sussed out Standard Knits but alas they no longer sell by the 5 metre min. Only by the roll and a roll is way too much for me.</div>
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After being disappointed at Standard Knits I moseyed on to the old favourite Remnants Warehouse - which strangely enough is not a warehouse (like EM Greenfield) and purchased some off-cuts off their off-cut table.</div>
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If you look closely at the above pictures of the elastic you can see some lovely striped suiting fabric that will be made into a jacket and pants (or skirt depending on my mood).</div>
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Also this lovely rib knit</div>
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This is my favourite - a wool blend with stitched detail. The colour is closer to the 2nd picture but doesn't show the detail as well as the first. It is also a matt felt look not at all shiny.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it looks like in colour and texture - Will it be a dress or a long skirt to wear with boots????</td></tr>
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On the table </h2>
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I have almost completed the StyleArc Haper Jacket out of beautiful Navy Hybrid Stretch Crepe from Emma One Sock - just need to cover and sew in the shoulder pads (that I purchased at EM Greenfield for $1.50 a pair) and give it a final iron.</div>
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And then I shall do a crepe version of the Linda pant out of the lovely matching navy Hybrid Crepe.<br />
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Unfortunately sewing has been put on hold for a little while as I have been given a full month's worth of work (commencing on Monday). A lot of people think that you turn up on the day and train but I have to write activities, session plans, prep assessments, compile excel records etc etc which takes a lot of time. I have a class of 14 and weekends will be spent marking work and projects and then prepping for the following week (although I will take a little time out for a get together of sewing friends)<br />
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Also, straight after the last day of training (Friday 23rd May) I will be leaving for a lovely sewing weekend away so therefore I have been spending time cutting patterns out and putting sewing projects together so that I don't waste time away. </div>
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-29237466261444534742014-03-31T08:23:00.002+11:002014-03-31T08:23:51.957+11:00Problems with World Press or problems with my computer????<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Is anyone else out there experiencing the following problem when trying to comment on World Press?<br />
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See where you have to type in your comment - It won't expand out.<br />
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This has been happening on all the World Press sites I comment on and has been for a few weeks now. I have tried googling it but all the results are very old.<br />
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Anyone have a solution?</div>
BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-5360136210517796272014-03-27T11:01:00.001+11:002014-03-27T12:01:44.261+11:00Sewing Sister's Sydney Social Stay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey all, the gorgeous Lynnelle (L from <a href="http://yousewgirl.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">You Sew Girl</a>) is coming down under and we are getting together in Sydney on Sunday 18th May..<br />
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Lynnelle is currently hosting a trench sew-a-long on her blog and I am really excited to be able to meet her (not that I am participating in the sew along - trenches are out of my league at the moment).<br />
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Remember the <a href="http://yousewgirl.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/indygo-junction-740-coat-complete.html" target="_blank">magnificent coat</a> that Lynnelle made.<br />
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If you would like to get together with us on the 18th please let me know. Haven't got a place yet but will let you know when I know possible numbers. Any suggestions?<br />
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Also, any great ideas on what Lynnelle can do in Sydney? I have put forth the following suggestions..<br />
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Climbing the Sydney harbour bridge</div>
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Visit the Opera House</div>
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Powerhouse Museum</div>
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Sydney Zoo</div>
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Sydney Aquarium</div>
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The Rocks (first settlement of Sydney)</div>
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There lunch cruises too on Sydney Harbour</div>
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Would love to get a group of sewing sisters together.</div>
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-74436916993581919172014-03-25T12:49:00.000+11:002014-03-25T12:49:10.296+11:00A Bundle of Barbs - On trend or so last week?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well you know I love me some StyleArc and I have finished 3 pairs of StyleArc Barb Pants in StyleArc Bengaline. They go together so quickly and I LOVE the way they feel.<br />
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As I had sewn them twice before - <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPrCdxYzTy4/UwPpEo1aQCI/AAAAAAAACTI/gxdyphTpyvY/s1600/Picture1x.png" target="_blank">the first one in stone and the second (tweaked) one in cocoa</a> I knew I was okay with fit (well - my version of okay - I haven't worked out if seams are right and what the pulls mean) and at this stage I am happy so I purchased new rotary cutter blades and cut the fabric for all three pairs at once. I then took them along to the SewInn at Tessuti's on the 8th and sewed them all up in the morning. I hadn't hemmed them though which is why they haven't had their photo taken until now.<br />
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Here is the version in Paprika Bengaline along with a previously sewn Cate top. Excuse the wrinkles - they have been out in the car and shopping.<br />
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Alright - alright - they are orange - but if StyleArc can call it Paprika then so can I!!<br />
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I had originally put them on with the <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D6sZnC79WM/UwPnYzuh1pI/AAAAAAAACS0/EvJO9LHqMpc/s1600/DSCN2802.JPG" target="_blank">spice coloured Michelle tunic</a> but thought that it was much too much orange for one person in one outfit at one time. Am I finally learning restraint??? God I hope not.<br />
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Here is a hanger shot of Mint and Red..<br />
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I have also sewn (but not completed yet) a lime green adaption of the barb to be a more Capri length.<br />
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So - am I on trend with my bright coloured pants - or am I several leaps and bounds behind the herd? ......... I am not that worried about trend - I just love my bright pants.<br />
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The style is something I wear a lot for business and purchase at Ezibuy but these are the colours available -<br />
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Oh joy - so colourful - not. They cost $50 per pair or 2 for $89. Now the cost of StyleArc Bengaline and my size makes it a little cheaper to make ($32) but not a massive amount- but oh the colours when you make them yourself!!!!<br />
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My cocoa coloured ones were Bengaline from the The Remnants Warehouse and ended up only costing $14 to make as their Bengaline is sooo much cheaper - a little thinner - but still good - but I love the colours of the StyleArc ones.<br />
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BTW - I just purchased a whole lot of Aubergine coloured Bengaline from StyleArc and sooo want to make another pair of Barbs but the colour is just so gorgeous I might make a work suit. Egad - that means jacket and skirt.<br />
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I am not putting these forward as my March garment for <a href="http://makeagarmentamonthchallenge.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">MAGAM</a> - still hoping to get something "new to me" done.<br />
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Next up is my lime coloured capris and a lime coloured caftan top (maybe too much lime??)<br />
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What is on your sewing table?<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2661816713425562304.post-4931652398486772622014-02-25T09:20:00.000+11:002014-02-25T09:20:14.699+11:00Make a Garment a Month Challenge - March Plans!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://sarahlizsewstyle.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sarah Liz</a> has posted the March theme for <a href="http://makeagarmentamonthchallenge.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Make a Garment a Month (MAGAM) challenge</a>. I had to laugh out loud when I read it. It is me all over. Could have been written just for little old me.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">"So as sewers, maybe we should steal a march and declare our own spring sewing war - you know, the one we all have every year, and never quite win - </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="color: red;">garments planned and not quite sewn."</span></span></blockquote>
Guilty guilty guilty. Go directly to jail and do not pick up $200 for more fabric.<br />
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I have made plan after plan after plan - all beautifully laid out in PowerPoint with few completions (although I am doing well with my current SWAP plan for Artisans Square).<br />
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As a matter of fact, my failure to complete plans made me say that I won't post any plans for MAGAM but do what my sewjo mojo tells me to at the time. In honour of this month's theme, I am actually going to post plans!!!! But I am going to post a few and then decide in March (I will probably end up doing something completely different and therefore defeat the theme!!!!!!!)<br />
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My MAGAM has been hit and miss. I missed October, got in November and December. I did make something for January (the StyleArc Island Ali top but it had issues that are now fixed but didn't get fixed by end of Jan), and of course I have done February.<br />
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Now do I tie in my March plans with my Artisan's Square SWAP? Jalie top with a lovely ruffled knit. It is planned and not yet sewn.<br />
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Or do I tie it in with Pattern Review New Pattern to Me competition? Hot Patterns Manta Ray Skirt and top in an aubergine (image doesn't show correct colour) stretch crepe. This has been planed to be sewn for some time now - however not written down<br />
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Do I do another top on my SWAP plan that first appeared in a <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/one-pattern-many-looks-fail-swap-swapped.html" target="_blank">Plan in 2012</a><br />
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Or do I do something non competition related and as yet unplanned - although I have been thinking about it for some time? Fill my wardrobe gaps with neutral non patterned tops?<br />
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Or do I do something completely different? Decisions decisions!<br />
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What should I do?<br />
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And what about you? Are you planning for March?<br />
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BeaJayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14071033898844018967noreply@blogger.com16