Ok, so not the most original of blog post title, but I could not think of anything else to call it.
I finally found time today to make something for myself. Knowing that young sir would be interrupting me every so often for his various needs, I looked for something easy to do. I have been looking around the blogosphere for easy and quick projects, and one that kept coming up was the Mission Maxi dress by Jamie Christina.
The pics are a bit hit and miss because Mr.Dibs was about to go for a run when I begged him to take some pictures of me. That did not go down too well with him.
MMJ 9 & June Challenge Summer Dress 1: The 1am dress
Thursday, June 9
I finally got around to making one of the Lisette pattern dresses.
Yesterday I felt like wearing something blue to work today, and fortunately I had a blue fabric in my stash so off I went. Call me crazy if you will, for starting a dress after work, I certainly called myself all sorts of names when I woke up this morning at 7am. When I say "woke up", i mean my mind was concious, my body was alert, but my eyelids would'nt stop their lovefest with each other. My eyes just wouldn't open. I was soooo sleepy....and I still had not finished the dress. I did the hem this morning, opting to use bias binding on the hem as i thought it would be faster than pressing and folding and doing whatever it is you have to do to have a presentable hem. In the end I liked the look I achieved with the biased bound hem.
I made view B. The dress is not really complicated, but the zip was another matter. Normally, zip insertions at the back are pretty straightforward (not always with me), because the seam is straight. A side seam however (which is what this dress has), is curvy, and that comes with its own fair share of issues. The pattern calls for a lapped zip, and after spending 1 hour trying to figure out how to press 1.3cm on the right seam and 1.5 on the left, and not having it come out the way its supposed to, I gave up and used the centred zip technique.
MEMO TO SELF: Dedicate a whole day (or weekend?) to the mastering of zips.
I did a little change with the skirt of the dress. Instead of using the skirt pattern provided, I used the skirt of my trusted Vogue 8232. I did that because I wanted to make sure it would fit, as I did not have enough time to fix things if something went wrong the Lisette skirt.
The armholes are finished with bias binding, as called for by the pattern instructions. Fortunately I had some blue bias binding at home, which I used.
Another thing I like about this pattern is the dart detail at the front. Its in the shape of a "Y". When I was doing the darts, I did the right side first, and without ironing it, made the left side, then I turned it over to appreciate my handwork.....SHOCK ATTACK....it looked horrible. Like the little fool I can be sometimes, I did not press the first dart after stitching it. So I unpicked the stitches, and did the required pressing. The second attempt was a lot easier. So if you are thinking of making this pattern, DO NOT forget to iron the first dart before sewing the second one. It will make your life so much easier.
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| Notice the dart detail just above the waistline? I love it. |
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| Biased hem |
Take care, and have a lovely day.
Butterick Dress
Monday, May 2
I finally finished the Butterick 5351 dress.
The zip was a major issue for me as usual. I started by basting a regular zipper, then changed my mind, and used an invisible zipper. The result was quite unsatisfactory, as for no apparent reason, one side became shorter than the other. So I took that one out, and reinserted the regular zip. I am just so happy its finally done. Somehow I have to get over my fear of zips.
It was a really bright day today so I took this opportunity to drag my husband cum photographer out for a photo shoot. Unfortunately the sun was in my eyes, so my face looks very technical in the photos.
To make View A (the one with the flower print), I bought 2 metres of material from Goldhawk Road (as usual) for 5pounds a metre. I also prewashed it, as it is cotton stretch, and I did not want it to shrink to unimaginable proportions after I'd spent hours making it.
The pattern instructions were easy enough to follow. My main issue with them was the fact that they rarely tell you when to finish the seams, so you would sew and sew, and not know when to overlock the seams. I've been making notes though, so next time I will know when to finish off a seam, so that the end product looks more like a daisy field, as opposed to a bomb ridden rice field, with unfinished seams all over the place.
I also find the hem shorter than I would have liked, so next time I will lengthen the hem. All in all, I think it came out ok. What I need to do now is probably practice zipper insertions more, so I don't spend hours trying to put a simple zip.
Have a good week everyone.
xoxo
Dibs
The zip was a major issue for me as usual. I started by basting a regular zipper, then changed my mind, and used an invisible zipper. The result was quite unsatisfactory, as for no apparent reason, one side became shorter than the other. So I took that one out, and reinserted the regular zip. I am just so happy its finally done. Somehow I have to get over my fear of zips.
It was a really bright day today so I took this opportunity to drag my husband cum photographer out for a photo shoot. Unfortunately the sun was in my eyes, so my face looks very technical in the photos.
 |
The sun was killing my eyes at this point, and of course the mister just had to take the picture at this time. I like the pic though. |
To make View A (the one with the flower print), I bought 2 metres of material from Goldhawk Road (as usual) for 5pounds a metre. I also prewashed it, as it is cotton stretch, and I did not want it to shrink to unimaginable proportions after I'd spent hours making it.
The pattern instructions were easy enough to follow. My main issue with them was the fact that they rarely tell you when to finish the seams, so you would sew and sew, and not know when to overlock the seams. I've been making notes though, so next time I will know when to finish off a seam, so that the end product looks more like a daisy field, as opposed to a bomb ridden rice field, with unfinished seams all over the place.
I also find the hem shorter than I would have liked, so next time I will lengthen the hem. All in all, I think it came out ok. What I need to do now is probably practice zipper insertions more, so I don't spend hours trying to put a simple zip.
Have a good week everyone.
xoxo
Dibs
Green Simplicity Dress
Sunday, May 1
Did you see Kate's Dress? No?. Hmmphh....then you are probably the last person on earth not to have seen it. I loved the top part of her dress. You can see it here at the Royal wedding website, which also gives the low down on the construction of the dress, and pictures of the day.
I was not really excited about the royal wedding though I was more than grateful for the extra bank holiday. So I had not planned to wake up at 6am ( when the BBC started coverage) to watch the proceedings. But I had been interested in seeing her dress, and I knew I was not alone in this, as I am sure everyone and their cats grandparents was also interested in THE dress. I spent Friday night working on Butterick B5351, and went to bed at about 4am, with just the zipper left to do. When I woke up in the morning and turned on the TV, the first thing I saw was the royal wedding church service, and caught a glimpse of Kate's dress. To say my eyes turned green with envy, would be a MAJOR understatement...lol....on the one hand, I was in love with the dress, on the other hand, I kept wishing I was in possession of such an exquisite dress, or in the absence of that, an imitation. But I think I would have to rob more than a few banks to be able to afford it.
Inspired by envy, I decided to express my mood through my favourite medium. Yep!! you guessed right. Sewing. I checked through my fabric stash and pulled out a green dress.So, considering the fact that I still had to finish my butterick dress , I needed to sew something simple, which could be finished in a few hours. Cue in Simplicity 9827.
This was such an easy pattern to sew. And who ever knew envy could inspire you, up to the point where you make very few sewing mistakes? . I was even so inspired, I decided not to use the facing provided by the pattern, but used a lace trim for the neck and the sleeve bands ( If Kate can have lace, I can too). This dress does not have closures, so there was no time spent mulling over how best to insert a zipper, or which buttons to use. It was just a breeze really. Hopefully it looks nice to you guys.
I was not really excited about the royal wedding though I was more than grateful for the extra bank holiday. So I had not planned to wake up at 6am ( when the BBC started coverage) to watch the proceedings. But I had been interested in seeing her dress, and I knew I was not alone in this, as I am sure everyone and their cats grandparents was also interested in THE dress. I spent Friday night working on Butterick B5351, and went to bed at about 4am, with just the zipper left to do. When I woke up in the morning and turned on the TV, the first thing I saw was the royal wedding church service, and caught a glimpse of Kate's dress. To say my eyes turned green with envy, would be a MAJOR understatement...lol....on the one hand, I was in love with the dress, on the other hand, I kept wishing I was in possession of such an exquisite dress, or in the absence of that, an imitation. But I think I would have to rob more than a few banks to be able to afford it.
Inspired by envy, I decided to express my mood through my favourite medium. Yep!! you guessed right. Sewing. I checked through my fabric stash and pulled out a green dress.So, considering the fact that I still had to finish my butterick dress , I needed to sew something simple, which could be finished in a few hours. Cue in Simplicity 9827.
This was such an easy pattern to sew. And who ever knew envy could inspire you, up to the point where you make very few sewing mistakes? . I was even so inspired, I decided not to use the facing provided by the pattern, but used a lace trim for the neck and the sleeve bands ( If Kate can have lace, I can too). This dress does not have closures, so there was no time spent mulling over how best to insert a zipper, or which buttons to use. It was just a breeze really. Hopefully it looks nice to you guys.
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| oh...a stray ribbon fold there. Will adjust that. I decided to add a bow made from the ribbon trim. |
I like using trims because they give you a unique finish, and you can go crazy with the various ways you can use them. They are also a fast way to finish your projects without the hassles of understitching facings, or folding and slip-stitching hems. If there's one thing I think I will be investing in on my sewing projects, is trim.
This dress hopefully gives you all an idea on my state of mind on friday. I was green with envy, and at the same time loving the lace overlay on Kate's dress.
Right, I need to get cracking on the zip of my Butterick dress. Gosh I hate zips!!!
Enjoy the lovely weather people!
xoxo
Dibs
Where are they?
Friday, April 15
I have not been able to sew a dress this week, but I have noticed one thing about myself this year. I have been wearing the dresses I have so far managed to make this year more than once. Which is alot in my case. Last year I made a few dresses, wore only 1 out of the house, and now I don't know where they all are.
Last year though, I was not so fussed about the finishing of my garments, and I was not remotely bothered about seam edges and all that. Coupled with the fact that my machine(Brother LS 2125) was the most basic machine on the planet, I did not have fancy things like an overlocker foot which I now have with my Pfaff. Plus being the lazy little minx I am, hong kong seams and french seams were not to be even considered.
I think I am taking a more healthy approach to my sewing this year, and even my husband has noticed, and is asking me to consider buying more expensive fabrics ( who would ever have thought men would encourage you to spend more aye?).
So, I thought I should show some of the things I made last year that I was prooud of ( for about 1day).
First up, the coffee date dress. Things did not go quite as planned with this one, so I changed the neck. Fortunately Elaine May (the selfish seamstress) was quite understanding, and actually helped me with more instructions on my all in one facing.
Where is it? - I have no clue. Will have to tackle it again this year because I really like the pattern, and it reminds me of me when I just started sewing seriously.
Next, the vogue 8470. I managed to do this dress, wore it round the house, then decided I did not place the zip well, took it off, and never put it back. I saw it the other day, and have kept it aside, to be looked at later this month hopefully. So I might (torchwood) be inspired to put a new zip by the time I go on holidays. I think it will be a nice holiday outfit.
Where is it: - Future project basket. Waiting for Princess Dibs to take pity.
Then I made this Burda magazine dress. I did actually wear this one to work, but i think I outgrew this. My pear hips decided to acquire more fat. So, I can't fit into this one anymore, and I THINK i donated this to a charity. Who will buy this, I don't know. The pleats at the front were a bit dodgy i think . but nonetheless I wore it a couple of times.
Where is it: - no idea.
What I was most proud of that I made last year was the Vogue 8280. I cried a couple of times during the making of this dress. My husband had to tiptoe around me during the week I made this dress. I was quite happy with the end result though. I still have this pattern, and plan on making it again when i get a really good fabric. I will be using a cotton or wool fabric that has some stretch, so it will fit better. I did wear this one to a party the very day i finished it, and also a couple of times to work.
Where is it?: - I don't know to be honest. I grew bigger round the hips, and could not fit in anymore.
So, those were the things I made that I was proud of. The rest did not reach a noteworthy state of completion, so sadly (thankfully), won't be getting some blog time here.
Other things I made, and which I was proud of last year, were my wedding cake ( which I decorated mysefl) and my fascinator.
I hope this time next year, I will be going through a list of what I made this year, and hopefully wearing one of them every week. Thats a big challenge, but I think with sewing, you have to push yourself all the time. I have 8 months to prove to myself that I can do it.
I am away for a week from today. Going to spend Easter with my in-laws. Unfortunately I won't be taking my beloved machine. So I won't be overlocking my seams. My mother-in-law has a machine so I will be able to make at least one dress. Hopefully I will have time to actually sew it and put some pictures up.
Happy Easter to everyone.
XX
Dibs
Last year though, I was not so fussed about the finishing of my garments, and I was not remotely bothered about seam edges and all that. Coupled with the fact that my machine(Brother LS 2125) was the most basic machine on the planet, I did not have fancy things like an overlocker foot which I now have with my Pfaff. Plus being the lazy little minx I am, hong kong seams and french seams were not to be even considered.
I think I am taking a more healthy approach to my sewing this year, and even my husband has noticed, and is asking me to consider buying more expensive fabrics ( who would ever have thought men would encourage you to spend more aye?).
So, I thought I should show some of the things I made last year that I was prooud of ( for about 1day).
First up, the coffee date dress. Things did not go quite as planned with this one, so I changed the neck. Fortunately Elaine May (the selfish seamstress) was quite understanding, and actually helped me with more instructions on my all in one facing.
Where is it? - I have no clue. Will have to tackle it again this year because I really like the pattern, and it reminds me of me when I just started sewing seriously.
Next, the vogue 8470. I managed to do this dress, wore it round the house, then decided I did not place the zip well, took it off, and never put it back. I saw it the other day, and have kept it aside, to be looked at later this month hopefully. So I might (torchwood) be inspired to put a new zip by the time I go on holidays. I think it will be a nice holiday outfit.
Where is it: - Future project basket. Waiting for Princess Dibs to take pity.
Where is it: - no idea.
What I was most proud of that I made last year was the Vogue 8280. I cried a couple of times during the making of this dress. My husband had to tiptoe around me during the week I made this dress. I was quite happy with the end result though. I still have this pattern, and plan on making it again when i get a really good fabric. I will be using a cotton or wool fabric that has some stretch, so it will fit better. I did wear this one to a party the very day i finished it, and also a couple of times to work.
Where is it?: - I don't know to be honest. I grew bigger round the hips, and could not fit in anymore.
So, those were the things I made that I was proud of. The rest did not reach a noteworthy state of completion, so sadly (thankfully), won't be getting some blog time here.
Other things I made, and which I was proud of last year, were my wedding cake ( which I decorated mysefl) and my fascinator.
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| I bought a plain cake from M&S and decorated it. I made the flowers from sugar paste. |
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| I folded the fabric and attached it to my top, to have that pink effect, and I just loved my fascinator. |
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| I also put together the bouquet. |
I am away for a week from today. Going to spend Easter with my in-laws. Unfortunately I won't be taking my beloved machine. So I won't be overlocking my seams. My mother-in-law has a machine so I will be able to make at least one dress. Hopefully I will have time to actually sew it and put some pictures up.
Happy Easter to everyone.
XX
Dibs
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