dressing up

I was very excited when the Japanese pattern books I ordered arrived. I decided to get two in the end, (might as well make the most of the Amazon delivery!)

I couldn't wait to make something so I decided to try out the dress on the front cover of the Stylish Dress Book, using a piece of spare material. On reflection I don't think the smock-like shape was right for me as I am a smallish and oldish person and what turned out to be the generous proportions of the dress made me look rather pregnant!

Apart from that, the instructions are nice and clear and the dress couldn't have been easier to make. All the patterns are included at full size, although you have to trace them from the multi-pattern sheets. This is easy once you get your eye in though, as each piece is clearly labelled in different colours. I used a roll of greaseproof paper for tracing, as it was what I had to hand. And of course once you have traced a pattern you have it ready for the next time.

I like the dress from the front, and think the pregnant look comes from the back being gathered onto the yoke. It might look better with a central pleat, or with a back cut from one piece of fabric, which I might try if I can be bothered to take it apart again!

 Just as well I only made it from an old sheet. Maybe I can find a younger or slightly more pregnant person to donate it to?

My enthusiasm is still undimmed though, and I can't wait to try some other patterns. I love the look of this ruffly top from the Simple Modern Sewing book:

also this wraparound dress which can be made as a top too:

This book looks like good value, as each pattern can be adapted to make different garments by changing the length, the sleeves, etc. can't wait to make something else now!

turning japanese

I have had a delicious piece of fabric 'burning a hole in my pocket' for a few weeks. Its a double gauze called 'doughnuts' from the muddy works collection by tomotake for kokka:

I wanted to make something that didn't have a lot of shaping in it, as that would break up the pattern too much, and I was thinking of a sort of loose 'japanese style' top which would make the most of the lovely floaty fabric.

I have had my eye on this Japanese pattern book, which is reviewed here:

http://www.makesomething.ca/japanese-dress-books/

along with others, with inspiring pictures of possibilities for different versions.

I was amazed recently to discover that ordinary dress patterns now cost about twelve pounds each, so this book will be worth buying even if I only make one garment!

I have finally got round to ordering it, but I couldn't wait to start on this project, and who knows how long the weather for floaty tops will last?

So I decided to make my own pattern, based on a top I already have.

I made a brown paper pattern, probably not the ideal material. but what I had to hand.

I am pleased with the result:

At first it hung rather baggily at the back, so I made a tucked panel in the small of the back, as I didn't want to break up the pattern with darts:

and although it does slip on over my head I couldn't resist adding a button detail at the back of the neck.

I'd definitely make this again, maybe a longer version with pockets in the seams to wear over jeans or leggings when the weather reverts to type!

portrait of mr. P

self portrait

sewing and planting

Suddenly summer seems to have happened, and I am torn between indoors and out, so work on Mr P's new shirt has been in and out of the garden..

..which is fine until I get distracted by something that needs planting or watering- luckily our garden is what I like to call 'wildlife friendly', or 'don't look at the weeds'...

We must be doing something right though, as apart from the cursed deer we have frogs, newts, slow worms, grass snakes, squirrels, hedgehogs, bats, birds and, to judge from what the cats bring in, many varieties of small furry squeaky things.

The shirt is actually finished, apart from the hem and the buttons and buttonholes. Its a long time since I made a shirt so I curbed my normal slapdash methods and carefully measured and sewed the correct seam allowances, and if I say so myself it is a good fit. 

Having a decent sewing machine also helps- I bought a new one at the 2011 Festival of Quilts. Its  a Janome, far from the most sophisticated in the range but what a difference from my old one! Its a pleasure to be able to get to the end of a seam without having to constantly adjust the tension to avoid great loops of cotton hiding on the back, or having to remove the bobbin case every five minutes and fiddle about in the works to find the tangle of thread... ahh happy days.

Mr P is pleased with the progress, especially as he has realised that the fabric features an 'orange 5' which is the name of one of his mountain bikes!

The fabric is '2wenty thr3e' by Moda, and the inner collar stand and cuffs are made from a grey fabric with a dictionary of sewing terms on it but I can't remember its name!