Simplicity 4095

I finished off my red stretch knit top which is part of my swap. The pattern is simplicity 4095 and the fabric used is ponti knit which I purchased from spotlight. I didn't need to alter the pattern and made it straight from the packet.

This top turned out rather nice and I will be making it again when I find some suitable fabric. After making the top I noticed on the back that I should have done a sway back adjustment which I have since done ready for the next time I use the pattern. See the creases in the side view picture. I don't see this as a big issue and I will wear the top any way.

Pale green knit top

As part of my swap I have drafted a pattern for a knit top.

This is the block draft. I went down one size on the measurement scale and used my bust, waist and hips measurements less 4cm. This worked well except that my fabric for my top has only 20% stretch accross the grain. This top is not too tight but is a firm fit. I will use this pattern again but with stretchier fabrics. The top I made from this block is a soft green/grey. The fabric was quite cheap and there is enough to make the top again but this time using my actual measurements. This was a very quick pattern and top to make and I will be using this pattern again with more summery fabrics. I turned under the 1cm seam allowance on the neck seam and added clear elastic which I pulled a little as I sewed it under. Next time I wont pull the elastic so much as it is a little gathered on the front neckline. I will use this pattern on the black/red print fabric as part of my swap as there is not enough fabric to make a crossover front top.

Swap Plan

The 1st plan is the tops and blouses

The 2nd plan is the bottoms and 1 jacket

Items finished: pale green knit top, shawl collar blouse, six gored skirt.

red knit top.

Maddies jacket and a cute photo of Connor

I made Maddie a Jacket from Burda pattern 9745. It turned out nice as it looks in the picture but because it finishes at her waist its only fashionable and not very warm so I then lengthened the jacket pattern and made it out of stretch panne. I had some striped rib knit in my stash which is a pretty close match. Here is a photo of the jacket. She will wear this jacket more than the short version I made originally.

I could not resist this very cute photo of Connor.

I havn't had time to do much on my swap but this week hopefully. I have already got some ideas ready for my next swap plan.

Michelles costumes

These last 3 weeks I have been very busy making costumes for Michelle. She needed 3 costumes for school. Rocky Horror, Austin Powers and Priscilla Queen of the desert. I have drafted all the patterns and made up the Priscilla costume. The Austin Powers costume has been fitted and is half sewn, and tomorrow I will cut out the Rocky Horror costume. Will post photos as soon as I can.

I am pleased with my shawl collar blouse though it could do with being a little tighter in the waist and hip. Also the fabric I used is cotton/linen and its a little stiff.

I haven't worked on my swap because of the costumes and I should have the costumes finished by this weekend.

The 1st photo is when I was cutting out the blouse and it shows that I dont add seam allowances untill I cut my garments.

The 2nd photo shows the undercollar piece and the top collar combined facing over the top of the front and back blouse sections.

The 3rd photo shows during construction applying the finished top collar facing to the shirt with the undercollar showing at the top left of the photo.

Swap

Today I hope to interface the facing on my 6 gored skirt. Then if I get time tonight I would like to sew in the facing and hem the skirt. Here is a sketch of my skirt.

My sketching is getting better and I hope with a lot more practice it will continue to improve. At the moment I am working on drawing hands, feet, head and accessories. The sketching has been quite a challenge for me as I couldn't draw at all when I started. I feel it shows how good the course is when now I can draw like this. I am glad that the patternmaking part of the course isnt so hard for me.

After looking at skirts at the shops and in the pattern catalogues I have decided on a few designs and this skirt is the first that I am making for myself.

Here is a plan of the pattern. I drafted a straight skirt block and took 12mm of the waist at the back to accomodate my figure. Flared the pattern out about 33cm down from the waist, which is my mid thigh, then traced of the pattern peices ready for cutting. I made a facing pattern for the waist which is 5cm wide. When making the facing I placed the centre front or back next to the side front or back and traced of the half pattern.

When piecing the skirt together I sewed all the front and back pieces together and then pinned the side seams ready for fitting. As my fat sacks are on my backside and my thighs I had to let the skirt out a little at the thigh area and I had already altered the pattern for my swayback. Then I sewed the side seams and applied the invisible zipper.

This is the finished skirt worn with the shawl collar blouse. I like the fall of this skirt and I will definately be making it again.

SWAP Plan

Well I have finished my swap plan. I found all the fabrics I needed in my stash which is great for the budget and I have started to draft all the patterns. The cream linen shawl collar blouse is finished and I have cut and started to sew up the dark green gabardine skirt. I pieced the skirt together yesterday and applied the invisible zipper. The skirt looks great when I tried it on. I really like the way the skirt falls. I drafted my block for my stretch tops and I made the pattern for the low round neck top.
When I made the pattern for the cream linen blouse I got rid of the shoulder dart by transfering some of it into the shoulder seam and the rest into the the sleeve seam. I dont know if this is correct but it turned out ok. I also drafted the collar so as to not be high on the back of my neck. I added 6cm ease to my waist measurement but I feel this could probably have been less.