A Stitching Odyssey: July 2018

Last month, I spent a wonderful day sewing at The Village Haberdashery with these gals!

We were invited there by the lovely Ana of CocoWawa Crafts to celebrate the release of her latest pattern, the Honeycomb Shirt and Dress. Despite heading home with just one more button to sew on and the hemming left, it's taken me this long to finish and photograph. Life sure does get busy!

After unexpectedly falling in love with my Honeycomb Dress, I wanted to give the shirt version a whirl so I could pair it with this cute cocktail-print crepe from my stash. I think it was from Ditto Fabrics, but I got it such a long time ago that I can't be sure.

I'm really happy with my decision to make contrasting ties and buttons for this version, as they really stand out. This was my first time making self-covered buttons and boy are they fiddly little fellas! Why didn't anybody warn me?!? I really like how they turned out though and even though I'm not a gadget person, I think I would have given up if it wasn't for this nifty tool.

Once again I made a straight size 4 (UK 12), as the pattern has a lot of ease. I added a fifth button to eliminate gaping at the bust and sewed the sleeves on with a 1.5cm seam allowance (the pattern calls for 1cm) to get rid of some of the extra ease. For my third Honeycomb - this stripy goddess in the making - I've tweaked the pattern pieces slightly to reduce the dropped shoulders...will report back on how that works out.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with this sweet little shirt. Are you a Honeycomb pattern fan?

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Friends, it's July and I'm still catching up on blogging last year's makes!

This here is my third version of the lovely Pauline Alice Aldaia Dress, made using a cute confetti-print jersey from Stoff & Stil. Sadly, I think this print is sold out, but they have plenty of other jerseys to choose from.

I shared comprehensive thoughts on the pattern and fit in my post about my first version. You can also see my velvet Aldaia Dress here, which I've since refashioned and still need to blog about.

A short and sweet post for you, but I thought this dress was too pretty not to share.

Have you made this pattern yet? What do you think to it?

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Hands up if you're smitten with the new Tilly and the Buttons patterns!

I mean, what's not to love about the Stevie Tunic and Seren Dress? Seren has jumped to the top of my sewing queue (especially after seeing this dreamy version by The Foldline's Rachel) and I was lucky enough to test Stevie, resulting in not one but two gorgeous versions in my wardrobe.

As a tunic, I don't think Stevie would do anything for my shape due to my crazy bust-to-waist and waist-to-hip proportions. But as a top, it's everything I look for. Easy to wear and simple to sew with cute details.

The kimono sleeves means no fiddly easing in and the back yolk lends itself nicely to some contrasting print and directional fun. Other super sweet details are the turn-up cuffs and a patch pocket, which I omitted on mine for a more streamlined look. As much as I love those details, I find cuffs don't work well with my cardigans and pockets make my bust look even larger.

Incapable of resisting a button, I went for a loop at the back instead of the ties. I love Tilly's trick of using an elasticated hairband!

I cut a size 4 across the neckline and shoulders, grading to a 5 for the rest, and I'm pretty happy with the fit. Be warned that it's a semi-cropped design, so add length before you cut out if necessary.

As soon as I finished my test version, using fabulous floral rayon from Seoul's Dongdaemun fabric and craft market, I cut out another. This time using some monochrome ikat from my stash. I literally changed nothing and I'm happy to report that Stevie looks great in both drapey and more structured fabrics.