tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41571051037357319472024-03-13T05:24:35.224+00:00sewnbyangelaAll about sewing, especially for children, with an odd effort at making something for myselfAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-2020392745313222992016-09-30T09:51:00.001+01:002016-09-30T09:51:40.611+01:00Upcycling Denim Jeans to Sew a Guitar Strap<p>After upcycling a <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2015/05/a-girl-dress-with-ribbon-sailor-collar.html">shirt to a child's sailor dress</a> for last years Refashioners series (on the <a href="http://www.makery.uk/">Makery blog</a>), I had no intention of sewing along this year. Of course life has a habit of getting in the way, especially when we make plans!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>My unintentional participation this year is all due to my 16 year old son. He decided in January to learn the guitar and with patience & perseverance (and a couple of online classes) did exactly that. He has since encouraged and motivated his younger brother to enthusiastically learn.</p><p> Guitar straps are not generally expensive, but when my older boy then asked me to sew one for him, there was no way I could refuse!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzQGndVrix0/V-4m6Sj85GI/AAAAAAAAAlA/To0c6d9qg2Q/s1024/Photo%25252020160930094652622.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzQGndVrix0/V-4m6Sj85GI/AAAAAAAAAlA/To0c6d9qg2Q/s500/Photo%25252020160930094652622.jpg" id="blogsy-1475225498664.268" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="575"></a></div><p> He wanted a very long strap, but really had no other specific requests or requirements. After doing some research (specifically checking out the guitar straps used by the Beatles) I realised that straps didn't need to be as wide as many are nowdays.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVOPJC7sbAM/V-4nCYdCaQI/AAAAAAAAAlE/ZvDrYPngzMc/s1024/Photo%25252020160930094653088.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVOPJC7sbAM/V-4nCYdCaQI/AAAAAAAAAlE/ZvDrYPngzMc/s500/Photo%25252020160930094653088.jpg" id="blogsy-1475225498668.1345" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="947"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This year's <a href="http://www.makery.uk/2016/07/the-refashioners-2016-now-lets-talk-about-you/">Refashioners series 2016</a> is all about denim jeans, and there are some fascinating and detailed <a href="http://www.makery.uk/2016/06/the-refashioners-2016-the-blogger-line-up-revealed/">sewing projects on the Makery blog</a> that are worth checking out.</span></p><p> </p><p>I decided to sew the guitar strap from denim for strength and chose a pair of jeans that were long past their sell-by date!<br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5NWf--RWJTI/V-4nLdmsNmI/AAAAAAAAAlI/A5VMI76YcGk/s1024/Photo%25252020160930094653434.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5NWf--RWJTI/V-4nLdmsNmI/AAAAAAAAAlI/A5VMI76YcGk/s500/Photo%25252020160930094653434.jpg" id="blogsy-1475225498679.838" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="434"></a></div><p>The white plastic slide buckles or strap adjustors were taken from an old baby sling, these determined the width of the guitar strap. An old leather belt was cut up to attach the strap to the guitar.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xH5G0sKplp0/V-4nUc6VJ4I/AAAAAAAAAlM/k4ipTPrxBDo/s1024/Photo%25252020160930094653778.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xH5G0sKplp0/V-4nUc6VJ4I/AAAAAAAAAlM/k4ipTPrxBDo/s500/Photo%25252020160930094653778.jpg" id="blogsy-1475225498714.9287" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="314"></a></div><p> I measured the strap that my son wanted and added more to allow for lengthening. The denim was cut in two pieces, each on a fold and sewn inside out, with leather pieces sewn into the ends. </p><p> </p><p>This may not have been the best approach as I spent hours trying to turn the right side out for the long strap. The only reason that I didn't rip/unpick my stitching is because I thought it would weaken the join with the leather. The effort was worth it as the strap which was really only a prototype is looking like it will last a while! </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-seHS7ER_G-c/V-4ndm2zz9I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/c2kjO0s8ipw/s1024/Photo%25252020160930094654074.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-seHS7ER_G-c/V-4ndm2zz9I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/c2kjO0s8ipw/s500/Photo%25252020160930094654074.jpg" id="blogsy-1475225498711.201" class="alignnone" alt="" width="650" height="371"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even after managing to turn the strap, the structure still took some figuring out. I was determined to make the strap as strong as possible, as I has joined two pieces of denim in the middle of the strap. I was worried that the join would be a weakness so sewed one long piece of ribbon along the full length of the strap. I picked a <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/denim-style-ribbon-p-510.html">red denim style Jane Means ribbon</a> to sew on the inside of the strap as per my son's request (though I would have secretly preferred it on the outside).</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The plastic strap adjustors were more straightforward to attach after all the difficulty turning the strap.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyBoxt77nHE/V-4nmWKdDrI/AAAAAAAAAlU/1yAILGMBvKc/s1024/Photo%25252020160930094654367.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyBoxt77nHE/V-4nmWKdDrI/AAAAAAAAAlU/1yAILGMBvKc/s500/Photo%25252020160930094654367.jpg" id="blogsy-1475225498672.4746" class="alignnone" width="500" height="403" alt=""></a></div><p> All that was left was to cut a hole in the leather strap ends so that the strap would fit on the guitar. It is very comfortable for my son to wear so the shoulder padding piece which I have also cut from the denim jeans has yet to be finished. </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-19072303451811375992016-09-27T13:01:00.001+01:002016-10-04T00:08:30.526+01:00Pattern Testing & New Azaire Pattern Giveaway [Closed]<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Update: Giveaway closed & thank you for the comments. The pattern goes to comment number 4! Congratulations Carmen, I'll be in touch.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UTvAtw9cx95QN9HsTwuarw_MZ7DtiFxktGjnSYVBpC-_WhVZ64BHAUw-lqQiN-RoQN3OdUqsLPtWH3uq2q9ZjNPdTDgCVvffLO-B6NdypMznyqX16Pv25taLcY1gnErsMwMBlyGHhf0/s640/blogger-image--1688724553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UTvAtw9cx95QN9HsTwuarw_MZ7DtiFxktGjnSYVBpC-_WhVZ64BHAUw-lqQiN-RoQN3OdUqsLPtWH3uq2q9ZjNPdTDgCVvffLO-B6NdypMznyqX16Pv25taLcY1gnErsMwMBlyGHhf0/s640/blogger-image--1688724553.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The <a href="http://gatherkits.com/shop/product/the-azaire">Azaire dress and top</a> is the newest sewing pattern from <a href="http://gatherkits.com/">Gather</a> and I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester. <a href="http://gatherkits.com/page/about-us">Caroline and Sandra (from Gather)</a> have also offered me a copy of the pattern to give away! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SnYNvl7bJeY/V-peuIWrxYI/AAAAAAAAAkU/H6qCWOY6tPY/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125703829.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SnYNvl7bJeY/V-peuIWrxYI/AAAAAAAAAkU/H6qCWOY6tPY/s500/Photo%25252020160927125703829.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688305.129" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="364"></a></div><p> </p><p>The Azaire pattern comes with a detailed instruction booklet which includes size charts (sizes 8 to 18), fabric requirements, body and finished garment measurements, fabric and cutting layouts and very helpful diagrams illustrating the sewing instructions.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGwM5h3B6l0/V-pe2sz4sbI/AAAAAAAAAkY/j1Gm0WNm5Ig/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125704202.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGwM5h3B6l0/V-pe2sz4sbI/AAAAAAAAAkY/j1Gm0WNm5Ig/s500/Photo%25252020160927125704202.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688294.925" class="alignleft" alt="" width="406" height="757"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I sewed the Azaire dress (wore it to a wedding) and had an excellent pattern-testing experience particularly as the end result is a dress that I love wearing.</span></p><p> </p><p>Though my measurements fall between 12 and 14, the "Finished Garment Measurements" included with the pattern indicate that the Azaire has a loose silhouette so I chose to sew size 12. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pR2aLsCpczY/V-pe981gdzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/78abSmYfW2M/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125704396.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pR2aLsCpczY/V-pe981gdzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/78abSmYfW2M/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125704396.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pR2aLsCpczY/V-pe981gdzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/78abSmYfW2M/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125704396.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pR2aLsCpczY/V-pe981gdzI/AAAAAAAAAkc/78abSmYfW2M/s500/Photo%25252020160927125704396.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688346.7236" class="alignright" alt="" width="193" height="407"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I enjoyed the whole process of testing this dress. My choice of fabric wasn't the best, being transparent! This meant I had to add an extra lining to the centre front and back of the dress.</span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O6V3IQw37BE/V-pfBlgdVDI/AAAAAAAAAkg/0RNOwUdrEU8/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125704526.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O6V3IQw37BE/V-pfBlgdVDI/AAAAAAAAAkg/0RNOwUdrEU8/s500/Photo%25252020160927125704526.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688325.996" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="353"></a></div><p>The details of this dress allow for customisation and mixing different fabrics to highlight the style lines. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It has a curved yoke, boat neckline, hi-low peplum, two sleeve options and front and back seams for fitting. Initially I wondered if the silhouette was too loose, but the style lines mean that the dress and top can be easily fitted. After testing the pattern, I fitted the dress more at my waist by sewing curves on the front style lines.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tAfjyKmwdgM/V-pfNaeaddI/AAAAAAAAAkk/H_Fg93H3SX4/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125704923.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tAfjyKmwdgM/V-pfNaeaddI/AAAAAAAAAkk/H_Fg93H3SX4/s500/Photo%25252020160927125704923.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688344.0886" class="alignleft" alt="" width="352" height="363"></a></div><p> </p><p>The pattern includes short petal sleeves on the dress and these are probably the most complicated aspect of the pattern. The sleeves are lined and overlapped so there are four layers of fabric to keep under control. The instructions for the sleeves are detailed and easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to muslin or fit the sleeves as I found them narrow-fitting. My 'strong' upper arms from heaving lifting in my previous nursing career means that I often have to take account of this!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_XEw_hXiq4/V-pfaUgS8hI/AAAAAAAAAko/Y1LziS28uaY/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125705279.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_XEw_hXiq4/V-pfaUgS8hI/AAAAAAAAAko/Y1LziS28uaY/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125705279.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_XEw_hXiq4/V-pfaUgS8hI/AAAAAAAAAko/Y1LziS28uaY/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125705279.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_XEw_hXiq4/V-pfaUgS8hI/AAAAAAAAAko/Y1LziS28uaY/s500/Photo%25252020160927125705279.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688362.844" class="alignright" alt="" width="306" height="459"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The pattern pieces all fit together perfectly and I was particularly pleased with how neatly I was able to match the back seams at the invisible zip.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOl9IITgMBs/V-pfli3Vb_I/AAAAAAAAAks/fe3UrFQJSWA/s1024/Photo%25252020160927125705507.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOl9IITgMBs/V-pfli3Vb_I/AAAAAAAAAks/fe3UrFQJSWA/s500/Photo%25252020160927125705507.jpg" id="blogsy-1474977688280.8438" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="539" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> It was such a joy to test the Azaire and I would love to pass a little of that on. </p><p> </p><p>Just comment below with a way to contact you by email and I'll randomly pick a name next next Monday Oct 3rd. I will post anywhere in the world.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-53275639574924762812016-08-31T19:30:00.001+01:002016-08-31T19:30:50.590+01:00Upcycled Shirt/Apron and an Ergonomic Oven Glove!<p> Having large selection of Japanese Pattern Books means that there are quite a few that I haven't sewn from. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQcMR1-PjuI/V8cgTh_uSeI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/r2bfv56H-wE/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192112508.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQcMR1-PjuI/V8cgTh_uSeI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/r2bfv56H-wE/s500/Photo%25252020160831192112508.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247082.6594" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p>'<a href="http://www.vvshu.com/view/cottonfriend/">Cotton Friend</a>' is a more unusual Japanese Pattern Book in that it resembles a magazine rather than book format. I would have loved to subscribe to a Japanese pattern magazine like this, but I can safely say that won't happen unless I get around to doing a Japanese language course!</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C_MOwhbj7xQ/V8cgh7FYOxI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Vl_FzcO5uSo/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192112793.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C_MOwhbj7xQ/V8cgh7FYOxI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Vl_FzcO5uSo/s500/Photo%25252020160831192112793.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247071.2383" class="alignright" alt="" width="411" height="549"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sometimes, patterns stand out & are put on the mental, never-ending to-do list. This apron pattern from 2010 is one that I always thought was a clever use of fabric. It came to mind when I found the perfect shirt fabric for an apron and oven glove set that I wanted to gift to a friend. Lack of understanding Japanese is usually no barrier to sewing from Japanese patterns and this magazine is exactly the same with excellent diagrams.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TAI-RqFM4mc/V8cg2xp5X0I/AAAAAAAAAjY/ApahZNNmCLc/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192113127.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TAI-RqFM4mc/V8cg2xp5X0I/AAAAAAAAAjY/ApahZNNmCLc/s500/Photo%25252020160831192113127.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247045.666" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="414" height="413"></a></div><p> I cut the apron from the back of the shirt, utilising the shirt yoke as a detail for the top of the apron. I adapted the pattern by using less shirt fabric than the pattern suggested because I didn't want the apron to wrap around so much.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8egXyIWgkXY/V8chS5tbgZI/AAAAAAAAAjg/H3XywBunBMQ/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192113530.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8egXyIWgkXY/V8chS5tbgZI/AAAAAAAAAjg/H3XywBunBMQ/s500/Photo%25252020160831192113530.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247051.0059" class="alignleft" alt="" width="380" height="596"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">My clever daughter came up with the simple idea of adding a button to the apron to hold the matching oven gloves as she thought it would be easier to find the oven gloves when they were needed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oU7mH06ucKk/V8chj2o3kKI/AAAAAAAAAjk/wTfY8ndPLcc/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192114150.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oU7mH06ucKk/V8chj2o3kKI/AAAAAAAAAjk/wTfY8ndPLcc/s500/Photo%25252020160831192114150.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668246997.2102" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="571"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> When looking for a ribbon for the hanging loop, I found a perfectly coordinating (more like camouflaged) ribbon from Jane Means - the beautiful <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/whitby-stripe-ribbon-p-729.html">Whitby Striped Ribbon</a> . It picks up all the colours in the paisley fabric - a design from <a href="http://portabellopixie.typepad.com/portabellopixie/2008/05/farmers-market.html">Portabellopixie</a>.</p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Perhaps I should have titled this post 'Spot the Ribbon'!!</span><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GpP4aOU8jiQ/V8chzxvomSI/AAAAAAAAAjo/vldX4UCkiE4/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192114766.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GpP4aOU8jiQ/V8chzxvomSI/AAAAAAAAAjo/vldX4UCkiE4/s500/Photo%25252020160831192114766.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247008.728" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><p> Oven gloves always seemed badly designed and uncomfortable to use. I thought a lot about the design and having sewn the mitten pattern in the <a href="https://oliverands.com/product/OLV-OS026LIT.html">Oliver + S book 'Little Things to Sew'</a> I decided to adapt it to create a thumb section for these double oven gloves.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gjA8DtDAf88/V8ciFc0N9AI/AAAAAAAAAjs/o6KnAeyuB3g/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192115118.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gjA8DtDAf88/V8ciFc0N9AI/AAAAAAAAAjs/o6KnAeyuB3g/s500/Photo%25252020160831192115118.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247078.937" class="alignnone" alt="" width="345" height="376"></a></div><p> The two major changes involved in using the Oliver+S pattern were lengthening the thumb portion of the pattern and adding a lining. Because of the thumb design, there is only a small amount of padding/wadding needed in the palm section of the pattern.</p><p>Adding binding helps the glove come together easily.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nYRX_MWiHps/V8ciVSXPPuI/AAAAAAAAAjw/WsrKBVJFdKk/s1024/Photo%25252020160831192115597.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nYRX_MWiHps/V8ciVSXPPuI/AAAAAAAAAjw/WsrKBVJFdKk/s500/Photo%25252020160831192115597.jpg" id="blogsy-1472668247041.1494" class="alignright" width="500" height="381" alt=""></a></div><p>These oven gloves turned out very well. I could do with one of these myself and the only improvement I can think of is to move the thumb section more towards the centre so that it can fit both the right or left hand easily. </p><p>I'm not sure if a bottle of wine would have been more appreciated as a house-warming gift, but my friend seemed delighted with the set.</p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-57715185437982892532016-06-30T17:23:00.001+01:002016-06-30T17:23:02.144+01:00Teacher Gifts 2016 Edition with Sew4Home Patterns<p>For the last few years I have sewn gifts for teachers ...... purely for selfish reasons - on a balance I would prefer to spend my time deciding between fabrics rather than deciding between chocolates or mugs!! </p><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When I need sewing patterns for gifts, one of my favourite sites is <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/projects">sew4home.com</a>. T</span>he picture for the <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/airstream-toiletry-bag">Airstream Travel Bag </a>turned up in an e-mail from them very recently and it seemed like the perfect teacher gift. It's particularly suitable for my son's teacher who has told the class about some of her trips to Dubai & America.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anrTYGOg4Cs/V3VGIBhdpbI/AAAAAAAAAh8/iS6WWq8mYlc/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171654418.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anrTYGOg4Cs/V3VGIBhdpbI/AAAAAAAAAh8/iS6WWq8mYlc/s500/Photo%25252020160630171654418.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779759.759" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="348"></a></div><p> My fabric and ribbon choices are very different to the original, and I made some alterations to the pattern.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7tVZk9XMQw/V3VGUAeCSDI/AAAAAAAAAiE/atV4CIN_uro/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171654806.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7tVZk9XMQw/V3VGUAeCSDI/AAAAAAAAAiE/atV4CIN_uro/s500/Photo%25252020160630171654806.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779687.4421" class="alignleft" alt="" width="348" height="329"></a></div><p> </p><p>Firstly I added a flower brooch to the outside. This brooch is a pattern I have been testing and proof-reading for an English translation 'Sew Snappy' of a Dutch sewing pattern book '<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zo-geknipt-recepten-voor-naaimachine/dp/946131115X">Zo Geknipt</a>' which will be launched in Oct 2016.</span></p><p> </p><p>I omitted the piping from the pattern, which if you have time, is a good addition as it helps provide structure to the bag. Instead, I topstitched the inside binding to the outer curves, with stitching on the outside and this worked perfectly.<br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The third main change was to fully line the inside. The pattern indicates that the base and zipper portion should only be lined, but it is very straightforward to cut extra front and back pieces and then bind them inside.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0ZskRvU1UE/V3VGdnP58cI/AAAAAAAAAiM/jY7oIbBOA_Q/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171655150.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0ZskRvU1UE/V3VGdnP58cI/AAAAAAAAAiM/jY7oIbBOA_Q/s500/Photo%25252020160630171655150.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779740.187" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="388"></a></div><p> The ribbons are stitched on the fabric as indicated in the instructions. These are two different <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stitched-ribbon-c-25_33.html">stitched ribbons</a> from <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/">Jane Means</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>My daughter had 3 teachers this year and I wanted a pattern for their gifts that would be faster to sew. Her year had two teachers who were job-sharing and then another who just did maths with her class. Interestingly this worked very well, better than what could be imagined. The pattern I chose is also from <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/projects">sew4home.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The <a href="http://www.sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/travel-accessories-roll-makeup-brush-case">Roll-up Make-up Brush pattern</a> is one I have used a <a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">few times before</a>. Because it is so easy to sew, you can have fun with fabric and ribbon selections.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRjLB56leYk/V3VGofVG0rI/AAAAAAAAAiU/IlTJzSHJ_ic/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171655403.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRjLB56leYk/V3VGofVG0rI/AAAAAAAAAiU/IlTJzSHJ_ic/s500/Photo%25252020160630171655403.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779761.8132" class="alignleft" alt="" width="443" height="664"></a></div><p> </p><p>Most of the fabric, binding and ribbons are from my stash. The outer corduroy is from a European fabric company Stenzo. The bindings are Japanese from <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/category/notions-trims/trims-bias-tapes/">superbuzzy.com</a> (a shop with all things Japanese that I wish I had shares in!) and the '<a href="http://www.janemeans.com/chocolate-turquoise-spotty-ribbon-15mm-p-665.html">chocolate and turquoise' spotted ribbon</a> is from <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/">Jane Means.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X6Ra7U-7jKc/V3VG1oN5hlI/AAAAAAAAAic/P0LG3i5uJxQ/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171655643.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X6Ra7U-7jKc/V3VG1oN5hlI/AAAAAAAAAic/P0LG3i5uJxQ/s500/Photo%25252020160630171655643.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779678.5637" class="alignright" alt="" width="380" height="280"></a></div><p> </p><p>The top inner fabric is a laminated cotton '<a href="http://www.parsongray.com/">Parson Gray</a>' and the quilted cotton pockets is from <a href="http://modkidboutique.com/textiles.html">Patty Young</a>.</p><p> </p><p> I can't describe fully how easy this gift is, to sew. The most time-consuming part is sewing the lines for the pockets.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tpKjYrLn-0o/V3VHBg8NTJI/AAAAAAAAAik/Ul0mRY0skBY/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171656304.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tpKjYrLn-0o/V3VHBg8NTJI/AAAAAAAAAik/Ul0mRY0skBY/s500/Photo%25252020160630171656304.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779705.883" class="alignleft" alt="" width="433" height="578"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p>Another version of the same pattern, this time with a flower brooch ( I enthusiastically <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHFkT3Kjjmv/">sewed a few of these brooches</a>, in my testing of the Sew Snappy pattern!)</p><p> </p><p>All from my stash, the outer fabric is also a <a href="http://modkidboutique.com/textiles.html">Patty Young</a> fabric, the binding is Liberty of London and the <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stripe-ribbon-c-25_31.html?osCsid=nbhdscn4vlc8vtn1rpck08u414">striped ribbon</a> is <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/">Jane Means</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-284CYNkhnD8/V3VHNtw27PI/AAAAAAAAAiw/AYB8GMtPEvI/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171656902.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-284CYNkhnD8/V3VHNtw27PI/AAAAAAAAAiw/AYB8GMtPEvI/s500/Photo%25252020160630171656902.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779773.4036" class="alignright" alt="" width="365" height="274"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SfrL4W90R10/V3VHYgTOygI/AAAAAAAAAi4/DTPl8oFZOpY/s1024/Photo%25252020160630171657295.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SfrL4W90R10/V3VHYgTOygI/AAAAAAAAAi4/DTPl8oFZOpY/s500/Photo%25252020160630171657295.jpg" id="blogsy-1467303779753.6506" class="alignleft" width="362" height="469" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p>The inside fabrics are an oilcloth bought locally and the quilting cotton pocket fabric is <a href="http://www.heatherbaileystore.com/?Click=25">Heather Bailey</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I would sew these for all the teachers every year if it was possible, but the children sometimes have teachers for more than one year. Maybe if I passed them off or label them as pen holders or pencil holders or cutlery holders instead of Make-up Brush holders, it might work!!!</p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-75570263225631193852016-04-29T23:28:00.001+01:002016-04-29T23:28:57.735+01:00A Ribbon-trimmed Fifi Camisole/Slip<p> Last summer <a href="http://www.sewcraftyonline.co.uk/">Sew Crafty Online</a> held a <a href="https://m.facebook.com/SewCraftyShop/">Facebook</a> competition with a huge prize package. I couldn't believe that I won and was speechless when the incredibly <a href="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11381473_1466450650318280_1571357405_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTAzOTE2NjA0Mzg3MDc2MjYyNQ%3D%3D.2" target="_self" title="">generous prize</a> arrived in the post. All of <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/">Tilly and the Buttons</a> sewing patterns, with fabric, a carrier bag and a neat measuring tape were included. </p><p> </p><p>It really is about time I sewed something from that wonderful parcel...</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdBjGM7rvlc/VyPe5e9h1dI/AAAAAAAAAg0/hz96nNNowqM/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232230220.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdBjGM7rvlc/VyPe5e9h1dI/AAAAAAAAAg0/hz96nNNowqM/s500/Photo%25252020160429232230220.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935553.744" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="743"></a><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">I picked the <a href="http://www.sewcraftyonline.co.uk/?s=Fifi&post_type=product">Fifi camisole pattern</a> (extending the length), some beautiful <a href="http://store.annamariahorner.com/fabric.html">AnnaMarie Horner voile fabric</a> (from my stash), soft <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/blue-denim-style-ribbon-15mm-p-588.html">blue denim</a> and <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/sage-green-cream-gingham-ribbon-15mm-p-183.html">sage gingham ribbon</a>s from Jane Means ..... et voilà!</span></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8oOUJVIF-Oc/VyPfHA7U4NI/AAAAAAAAAg4/IkEbi7fAli0/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232230784.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8oOUJVIF-Oc/VyPfHA7U4NI/AAAAAAAAAg4/IkEbi7fAli0/s500/Photo%25252020160429232230784.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935533.4214" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="432"></a></div><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This pattern was a very pleasant surprise - excellent & detailed instructions, easy to sew, neat finishing techniques, bias-cut and gently fitted shape. I hadn't expected these details from Tilly's patterns. My perception (inaccurate) was that her patterns were basic and mostly unfitted/loose as some of the earlier ones were.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Sh6SSvaSyw/VyPfTzDPUUI/AAAAAAAAAg8/-ipeKf4GRgU/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232231675.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Sh6SSvaSyw/VyPfTzDPUUI/AAAAAAAAAg8/-ipeKf4GRgU/s500/Photo%25252020160429232231675.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935498.132" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="409"></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I both simplified and complicated the sewing process. Using ribbons made it easier to create the straps, but making them adjustable needed a little more brainpower! I attached ribbon loops at the back and threaded the ribbons through. This was an easy alteration to make, and would be very useful if making the Fifi pattern as a gift with nobody available for fitting.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A soft ribbon like this </span><a href="http://www.janemeans.com/blue-denim-style-ribbon-15mm-p-588.html" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">denim ribbon</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> is recommended as I was able to press it into shape, to conform to the curves of the pattern. Good pressing technique is crucial to make ribbons work for this pattern, and it is worthwhile for the time it saves in creating bias strips.</span><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ln7y9lKNsw/VyPfmIIqU3I/AAAAAAAAAhE/Cz6TAs9RI34/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232236064.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ln7y9lKNsw/VyPfmIIqU3I/AAAAAAAAAhE/Cz6TAs9RI34/s500/Photo%25252020160429232236064.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935575.7012" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Not wanting to lose length at the hem, I sewed a tiny seam covered with <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/sage-green-cream-gingham-ribbon-15mm-p-183.html">gingham ribbon</a> hem to preserve as much length as possible.</p><p>It was necessary to get very creative when I realised I was short a few cm of ribbon for the hem. I turned to another favourite ribbon company of mine, <a href="http://www.farbenmix.de/shop/Ribbon:::264.html">Farbenmix</a> and added a woven patch and a short piece of one of their fun woven ribbons to cover the gap. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8VePfCi6v5g/VyPfv03snwI/AAAAAAAAAhM/jkDF2issao0/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232238124.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8VePfCi6v5g/VyPfv03snwI/AAAAAAAAAhM/jkDF2issao0/s500/Photo%25252020160429232238124.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935568.3123" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="666"></a></div><p> The beautifully neat, inside finishing details are, very impressively, all included in the pattern instructions. Usually I would have to figure out how to include these details myself.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3Z4ZXOmGWE/VyPf9loRrMI/AAAAAAAAAhU/dAQRpCveP7Q/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232238986.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E3Z4ZXOmGWE/VyPf9loRrMI/AAAAAAAAAhU/dAQRpCveP7Q/s500/Photo%25252020160429232238986.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935553.2998" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Adding a ribbon to the hem is not included in the pattern instructions, but gives a little extra weight to the hem and also finishes it neatly - as seen from the inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ejvYOkpzc4/VyPgJhVhLoI/AAAAAAAAAhc/QMe9oiFTlSE/s1024/Photo%25252020160429232239417.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ejvYOkpzc4/VyPgJhVhLoI/AAAAAAAAAhc/QMe9oiFTlSE/s500/Photo%25252020160429232239417.jpg" id="blogsy-1461968935531.992" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="653" alt=""></a></div><p> All the inside seams are French-seamed and the inside back view shows how well the pattern is designed and styled for a closer fit at the back.</p><p> </p><p>I love this pattern and have a bias-cut, ivory bamboo silk version with gingham bias trim and straps cut and ready to sew.</p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-64259428651423490992016-03-28T23:03:00.001+01:002016-04-25T04:16:24.060+01:00A 'Drapey' Japanese Bubble DressWhen I read about Japanese Pattern Sewalongs there is often a related increase in my sewing, and it was no different when <a href="http://www.petitapetitandfamily.com/blog/">Celina from petitapetitfamily.com</a> and Mie from <a href="http://www.sewinglikemad.com/" target="_self" title="sewinglikemad.com">sewinglikemad.com</a> wrote about their year long <a href="http://www.petitapetitandfamily.com/blog/mie-sews-japan-january-2016">sewjapan series back in January</a>.<br />
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This is the Japanese pattern book I chose as the dress on the cover is one of my favourites and sewn (& blogged) many times - a <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2010/10/preschool-dress-from-japanese-pattern.html">sweet version in ladybird corduroy</a> & <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2012/09/japanese-bubble-dress-twice.html">a pair of bubble dresses for twins</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U8sNX2Iue14/Vvmo9v9IoTI/AAAAAAAAAfw/QOK6aNJYrpo/s1024/Photo%25252020160328225720208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="677" id="blogsy-1459202625069.5488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U8sNX2Iue14/Vvmo9v9IoTI/AAAAAAAAAfw/QOK6aNJYrpo/s500/Photo%25252020160328225720208.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
This time I chose a drapey, pre-pleated fabric from my local fabric shop, though I had doubts if it would hold the 'bubble' effect of the fabric. <br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mOJyopS2L10/VvmpMP1bKHI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hO0Tkm5GE2U/s1024/Photo%25252020160328225720936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="560" id="blogsy-1459202625050.5405" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mOJyopS2L10/VvmpMP1bKHI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hO0Tkm5GE2U/s500/Photo%25252020160328225720936.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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When it was sewn up, the fabric gave an a-line shape to the dress. My daughter who had wanted a more fitted dress was happier with this.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FvvEptD7_c4/VvmpWV2TfDI/AAAAAAAAAf4/XkBE53FvuFQ/s1024/Photo%25252020160328225721385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="722" id="blogsy-1459202625087.1228" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FvvEptD7_c4/VvmpWV2TfDI/AAAAAAAAAf4/XkBE53FvuFQ/s500/Photo%25252020160328225721385.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This bubble dress is easy to sew, and the Japanese instructions are easy to follow because of the detailed diagrams. My one issue with this pattern is the joining of the lining and the outer fabric which leaves an exposed seam.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C_GbWTZ6IH0/VvmpesmlbTI/AAAAAAAAAf8/XI8L9iNq2Is/s1024/Photo%25252020160328225727456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="457" id="blogsy-1459202625119.7344" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C_GbWTZ6IH0/VvmpesmlbTI/AAAAAAAAAf8/XI8L9iNq2Is/s500/Photo%25252020160328225727456.jpg" width="363" /></a></div>
As usual, I prefer a clean finish with all seams hidden, something that is particularly important for children's clothes.<br />
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For this version I cut the back pattern piece in two, rather than placing it on the fabric fold. (I listed the sewing instruction steps in this post). This allows the dress hem to be pulled out through the back seam and sewn so that it is hidden when the dress is finished . I then sewed an exposed zip and attached the lining at the same time to finish the dress.<br />
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The finish is so clean that the dress could almost be worn inside out.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hf8PLvnQTq8/Vvmp5pvpLLI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/R1f5Z5GwpNk/s1024/Photo%25252020160328225732348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="681" id="blogsy-1459202625114.495" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hf8PLvnQTq8/Vvmp5pvpLLI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/R1f5Z5GwpNk/s500/Photo%25252020160328225732348.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
The 'bubble' effect allows for the imagination of an active 9 year old!<br />
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We felt the solid colour of the fabric needed something else, so settled on adding ribbons to one of the shoulder seams. We decided that this <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/brown-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-855.html">brown stitched ribbon</a> from <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/?fullweb=1">janemeans.com</a> would work. These can be left untied or tied in bows. Interestingly, after this was sewn, Burdastyle included a <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/girls-ribbon-dress-032016">girls dress pattern</a> in the March magazine which had wide ribbon on both shoulders!</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWFylMqQQAU/VvmqPw4Tt3I/AAAAAAAAAgc/vyMRYPAT0aM/s1024/Photo%25252020160328225734088.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="445" id="blogsy-1459202625100.7896" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWFylMqQQAU/VvmqPw4Tt3I/AAAAAAAAAgc/vyMRYPAT0aM/s500/Photo%25252020160328225734088.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-50969577120245792452016-02-29T13:12:00.001+00:002016-02-29T13:12:26.780+00:00How to Sew a Notebook Cover with Ribbon Bookmarks
<p>Notebook covers are one of the most useful and easily personalised gift ideas. I have sewn them before for <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2013/06/sewing-teacher-gifts.html">teachers gifts</a>.</p>
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<p>Fabric can be chosen depending on a recipients hobbies, work & interests. When my animal-loving daughter wanted a cover for her homework journal this year, she was thrilled with cats (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/73QmxZEJaf/">seen here in an Instagram picture</a>). </p>
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<p>For this tutorial I chose a colourful laminated cotton fabric for a recipe journal into which I've been writing our new favourite gluten-free recipes.</p>
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<p>The difficulty in writing this tutorial is the huge variety of book/journal sizes, so it is written to show you how to sew a fabric cover for any size of notebook. My favourite part of sewing these covers is being able to add bookmarks and it is an easy way to use up shorter lengths of ribbons.</p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Firstly chose your fabric:</strong></span></p>
<ul> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Outer fabric (medium weight cotton, quilting cotton, laminated fabric, upholstery fabric,<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lining fabric (this can be a lighter fabric & it won't be seen when the cover is in use)<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pocket fabric (medium weight cotton, laminated cotton, interfaced light cotton)<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Interfacing (medium, the cover will look & function better if it has some structure)<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ribbons for bookmarks (use up short lengths of ribbon I chose a selection <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stripe-ribbon-c-56_265.html?osCsid=381c7b902244eb1efad2e20d42209b40">striped</a> and <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/spotty-ribbon-c-56_63.html?osCsid=4ad4f7a72461c1aeabdae8ca04272678">spotty</a> ribbons from <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stripe-ribbon-c-56_265.html?osCsid=381c7b902244eb1efad2e20d42209b40"></a><a href="http://www.janemeans.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Narrow%20Brown%20&SearchSubmit=Search&search_in_description=1&sort=2a&page=1&fullweb=1">janemeans</a>)<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elastic to wrap around the book for closure</span></li>
</ul>
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<p> <strong>Secondly<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> measure the book/notebook/journal that you want to cover.</span></strong></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The 3 main measurements are:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ol> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Height (from top to bottom and add 6cm to this - 6cm includes 2 x 1.5 seam allowances and .5 for turning fabric and .5 so cover is a little bigger than the book/journal)<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Width (from the edge of the front to the edge of the back. It is important to take this measurement when the book is closed to ensure the cover fits. Add 6cm to this measurement for above reasons.<br></span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Front width only (And add half front width to full front width measurement - this is for the inside pocket and elastic)</span></li>
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<strong>Thirdly cut out fabric pieces</strong>. You may wish to create pattern pieces first with the measurements you've taken and the following directions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><ul> <li>Cut 1 x Outer Fabric (Use Height & Width measurements with 6cm added as above).</li> <li>Cut 1 x Inner/Lining fabric (Exactly the same size as Outer Fabric piece).</li> <li>Cut 1 or 2 Interfacing pieces For the Outer Fabric and/or Inner Fabric depending on the weight of your fabric (same size as Outer Fabric above).</li> <li>Cut 2 x pocket fabric (Using Front Width Measurment above with half added for width of pocket and add 6cm, use height of Outer fabric as above. These pieces will be folded in half to form the pockets).</li> <li>Cut elastic (double the Front Width measurement above & add 6cm, may need less if your elastic is very stretchy).</li> <li>Cut a selection of ribbon lengths (eg 1 for a book/novel cover, 2-3 for a journal cover, 4+ for a recipe journal) 7cm longer than the Height of the book/journal.</li>
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<p><strong>Fourthly follow instructions and sew the cover:</strong></p>
<ol> <li>Add interfacing to the Outer Fabric and depending on fabric weight, to the pocket fabric and the Inner Fabric also.</li> <li>Fold the pocket pieces in half lengthwise and place on the Inner Fabric as in the picture, baste or pin together<p> </p>
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</li> <li>Place the ribbons in the top centre of the Inner Fabric and baste in place (sew with a long stitch)</li> <li>Sew the two ends of folded elastic to centre front edge of Outer Fabric.<p> </p>
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</li> <li>With right sides together place the Outer Fabric on top of the Inner Fabric (and pockets and ribbons). Ensure the ribbons and elastic are carefully tucked inside so they won't be caught in the stitching. Take your time with this step to ensure the tops of the Outer and Inner fabrics are put together and that the fronts also are placed together.<p> </p>
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</li> <li>Pin or baste inside the seam allowance all around, leaving an opening for turning. (You can turn through the cover at this stage, especially if you are unsure that pieces are correctly placed from Step 5).</li> <li>Sew all around using a 1.5cm seam allowance, and leaving a 7cm opening for turning. You may wish to reinforce the corners with an extra line of stitching.</li> <li>Trim the edges of the fabric closely and carefully, and cut across the corners.</li> <li>Turn the cover right way around by slowly and carefully pushing the cover through the opening.</li> <li>Carefully push through the corners, flatten out the cover and press. </li> <li>Hand stitch or top sew the opening closed.<p> </p>
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</li> <li><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-weight: normal;">Insert book/journal cover into the pocket pieces and enjoy!</span><br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<p><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></p>
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<p><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"><b style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-5185991497329819312016-01-29T17:36:00.001+00:002016-01-29T17:36:06.533+00:00How to Add Ribbon Bookmarks to Any Hardback Book<p> Coeliac diagnoses for most of the family last Sept/Oct has meant a lot less sewing and much more cooking and baking. Of course blogging also took a backseat.</p><p> </p><p>Information on the Internet about Coeliac disease is very helpful, with lots of advice and suitable recipes. However I found I also needed to buy some new cookery & baking books as most of our food now needs to be cooked from scratch. Tearing bits of paper to mark and keep track of recipes quickly became futile as well as being very untidy. So I wanted a neater way to bookmark recipes that wouldn't fall out of a book when it was opened! </p><p> </p><p>ThIs idea for adding ribbon bookmarks was one of those 'lightbulb' moments and is a perfect solution when a book doesn't include a bookmark.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ute7xQF1uzM/VquhTkyMHVI/AAAAAAAAAdo/CEkU7OTDQJI/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172745198.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ute7xQF1uzM/VquhTkyMHVI/AAAAAAAAAdo/CEkU7OTDQJI/s500/Photo%25252020160129172745198.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957720.0088" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="338"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong><u>What you need</u></strong>: book length measurement, narrow ribbons (0.5 to 0.7 cm), wide ribbon (1.5 cm), sewing machine (could also be hand sewn, or even glued)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bP1fmhVTyZM/VquhgHgveQI/AAAAAAAAAdw/72TNVpgPnw0/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172746613.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bP1fmhVTyZM/VquhgHgveQI/AAAAAAAAAdw/72TNVpgPnw0/s500/Photo%25252020160129172746613.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957730.601" class="alignleft" alt="" width="408" height="294"></a></div><p>-This method of adding ribbons to a book will work for any hardback book which has a spine. </p><p>-Measure the length of the book and add 10cm.</p><p>-Cut ribbon lengths in suitable colours. I selected 3 narrow ribbons (<a href="http://www.janemeans.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Narrow%20Brown%20&SearchSubmit=Search&search_in_description=1&sort=2a&page=1">janemeans narrow stitched ribbon</a>, <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/green-check-ribbon-p-900.html">Janemeans narrow gingham</a> ribbon and a yellow ribbon from my stash).</p><p>Overlap the ribbons making sure they will fit neatly inside the width of the wider ribbon.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFWAyIo6zyE/VquhwpWlupI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Ibt9n2VYHU8/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172746917.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFWAyIo6zyE/VquhwpWlupI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Ibt9n2VYHU8/s500/Photo%25252020160129172746917.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957721.0664" class="alignright" alt="" width="418" height="320"></a></div><p>-Cut a 12cm length of 1.5 cm wide ribbon, making sure that the ribbon will fit inside the spine of the book. I chose a <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/teal-wired-ribbon-15mm-p-616.html">teal wired ribbon from Jane Means</a>. This ribbon will be placed inside the spine of the book, so the colour will not be seen. </p><p>-Fold the wide ribbon in half lengthwise over the bundle of narrow ribbons, making sure the ends are tucked under. Sew around the ribbon as in the picture. This reinforces the ribbon and makes it easier to push into the spine of the book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> -Open the book and carefully push the sewn ribbon down into the spine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvhbgeqMnMQ/VquiBjxJGZI/AAAAAAAAAeA/05kjLCYM3yg/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747223.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvhbgeqMnMQ/VquiBjxJGZI/AAAAAAAAAeA/05kjLCYM3yg/s500/Photo%25252020160129172747223.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957667.2866" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s500/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957703.754" class="alignright" alt="" width="429" height="386"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vNdLY1A0kS0/VquiUbdm9sI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RxOZXWfGT7c/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172747621.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Now just safely bookmark all the fantastic recipes that you want to try.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFwBmGpTptk/VquioZvJh_I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/rc3h4jYmjDA/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172748053.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFwBmGpTptk/VquioZvJh_I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/rc3h4jYmjDA/s500/Photo%25252020160129172748053.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957746.6255" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="620"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a book like this can get a lot of wear and tear, the ends of the ribbons should be sealed by holding them carefully over a lighted candle.<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oK6dq_eMMwg/Vqui9JNleAI/AAAAAAAAAeY/WqC07fxkSBY/s1024/Photo%25252020160129172748426.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oK6dq_eMMwg/Vqui9JNleAI/AAAAAAAAAeY/WqC07fxkSBY/s500/Photo%25252020160129172748426.jpg" id="blogsy-1454088957704.7334" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="411" alt=""></a></div><p>I predict a lot more of these in my future, especially once I check my sewing books & see which need bookmarks!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-87089149611410008212015-08-31T10:45:00.001+01:002015-08-31T10:45:18.944+01:00From Refashioned Men's Shirts to Children's Clothes
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<p> Sewing during summer holidays needs to be in short bursts, so refashioning fits in with what little sewing time I have. Previous shirt refashions that I've blogged are a <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/06/reduce-reuse-recycle-re-cut-re-make-re.html">dress & waistcoat</a>, <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2015/05/a-girl-dress-with-ribbon-sailor-collar.html">a sailor dress</a>, a <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2010/03/practice-dress.html">denim dress</a>, <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/11/lots-of-ottobre.html">waistcoat</a> and a <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/10/sewing-ottobre.html">knit top & skirt</a>, all children's clothes. </p>
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<p>The inspiration for these recent remakes is <a href="http://www.makery.uk/2015/07/the-refashioners-2015-we-want-you-too/">The Refashioner 2015</a> series by <a href="http://www.makery.uk/">Portia at the Makery blog</a>.</p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I started with this shirt as I loved the fabric. This is the only shirt I've upcycled for an adult to wear! </span></p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The pattern is 'pattern k' a lovely fitted blouse from <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/bestsellers/basic-black-paperback-with-flaps">Sato Watanabe's Basic Black by Tuttle Books</a>. I previously sewed <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2014/09/basic-black-japanese-pattern-book-review.html">this asymmetrical top</a> from the book.</span></p>
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<p> I removed the collar, and stitched the collar stand, so it looks like the stand-up collar in the book. I cut the sleeves off at the armhole, shortened them, reshaped the armholes and the sides and added front and back darts for shaping. It still needs hemming, but is a now a perfect shirt for Autumn.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkIqfeAiIbs/VeQg0jiGOnI/AAAAAAAAAcM/gHvz9hn7xQs/s1024/Photo%25252020150831103525170.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkIqfeAiIbs/VeQg0jiGOnI/AAAAAAAAAcM/gHvz9hn7xQs/s500/Photo%25252020150831103525170.jpg" id="blogsy-1441014315122.2458" class="alignleft" alt="" width="300" height="288"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">There's no 'before' picture for this one, and no pattern was used, but a mans polo shirt was recut to use as a school top for my daughter. I kept the collar as it wasn't too big and resized the rest of the shirt using another top as a guide.The little pocket was added to hide a logo of a sailing ship - not part of the school uniform policy!</span></a></div>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then I got a bit more creative. It seemed that there should be enough fabric in a shirt to sew a boys pyjamas, but I needed to find a way of avoiding buttons, so it would be comfortable to wear.</span><br></p>
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<p> This is what worked - After cutting off the sleeves, I folded the shirt in half, half the front and half the back and turned it upside down. The pattern I used was the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pajamas/OLV-OS008BT.html">Oliver&S Bedtime Story Pajamas / Pyjamas pattern</a> because it has a one-piece leg pattern. The pattern fit easily on the shirt fabric. </p>
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<p>Cutting a shirt this way would also provide plenty fabric even for some adult-sized shorts.</p>
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<p> The waistband was cut from the yoke, though not on a fold, so it had to be pieced.</p>
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<p>The legs were cut from the sleeves without I picking the seam and using the lower part of the leg pattern as a guide only, to get the length correct.</p>
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<p>I sewed the pyjamas, mostly following the pattern instructions. </p>
<p>The leg had to be pieced together and I didn't want that inside seam to be uncomfortable. The simple solution was to sew the seam on the outside and cover it with ribbon. The ribbon is a <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/vintage-blue-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-684.html">vintage blue stitched ribbon from janemeans</a>, which was a perfect match for the shirt fabric.</p>
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<p> Not a perfect pair of pyjamas by any means, but not bad for zero fabric cost and a quick sew. There's also a 10 yr old boy who loves that these were sewn especially for him!</p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-14565956779762316852015-07-27T11:25:00.001+01:002015-07-27T11:25:08.275+01:00A Japanese Pattern Book for Beginners - Sewing For Your Girls<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y749TODrwYw/VbYFx8GwZVI/AAAAAAAAAao/gmEMhf1o13U/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111846606.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y749TODrwYw/VbYFx8GwZVI/AAAAAAAAAao/gmEMhf1o13U/s500/Photo%25252020150727111846606.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700528.9578" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="647"></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-for-your-girls-paperback-with-flaps">Sewing For Your Girls by Yoshiko Tsukiori</a> is much more suitable for beginners than most other Japanese books that I've sewn from. It was originally published in 2011 and is one of the recent English translations by <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-needlework">Tuttle Books</a>.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WqrcFHZZLvw/VbYF9r815NI/AAAAAAAAAaw/AKJh4I7u0s8/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111846971.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WqrcFHZZLvw/VbYF9r815NI/AAAAAAAAAaw/AKJh4I7u0s8/s500/Photo%25252020150727111846971.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700527.0767" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="551" height="413"></a></div><p> </p><p>It provides 8 basic patterns for dresses, tops and shorts with 7 variations. All patterns, except one (which is easily drafted) are included as full-sized pattern pieces in a pocket inside the back cover. The patterns are for girls, though the shorts and overalls could be sewn for boys, and the sizing is based on height - approximately equivalent to age 2 to 8 years.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZopWhveQLu0/VbYGG2pOz2I/AAAAAAAAAa4/2-UHJ7LQfMY/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111847460.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZopWhveQLu0/VbYGG2pOz2I/AAAAAAAAAa4/2-UHJ7LQfMY/s500/Photo%25252020150727111847460.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700465.0193" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This Japanese pattern book would be perfect for a beginner at sewing. As well as pictures of the clothes and instructions for all of the patterns, most of the book is devoted to photo tutorials on how to sew. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many Japanese Pattern books are not generally suitable for beginners. They rely on <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese">detailed diagrams to illustrate sewing instructions</a>, so include much shorter descriptions of sewing steps. The <a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">other book of adult-sized patterns by this author </a>that I sewed from, would not be as useful for anyone beginning sewing.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The three photo-tutorial sections are </p><ol> <li>Basics of Dressmaking, </li> <li>A detailed Step-by-Step to make one of the dress patterns and </li> <li>Basic Sewing Techniques.</li></ol><p> </p><p><strong><font size="4">1. </font></strong> The Basics of Dressmaking is very well-presented. It includes descriptions of the fabrics used in the book and emphasises the importance of prewashing. Basic equipment is described and detailed pictures on Tracing a Pattern, Cutting out Fabric, Marking Symbols and Using a Sewing Machine are also shown. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSfMh6kiMrE/VbYGQlsiPdI/AAAAAAAAAbA/v4uDOYLgqv8/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111847846.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSfMh6kiMrE/VbYGQlsiPdI/AAAAAAAAAbA/v4uDOYLgqv8/s500/Photo%25252020150727111847846.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700523.9395" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p><font size="4"><strong>2.</strong></font> There is a fully illustrated, complete photo-tutorial on how to sew the first pattern in the book and it includes techniques like creating bias tape, reinforcing pocket edges, and neatly finishing the armhole and shoulder frill. Every one of the numbered steps is pictured in detail.</p><p> </p><p><strong><font size="4">3.</font></strong> There are 33 pages of tutorials on Basic Techniques which thoroughly illustrate all the steps needed for sewing techniques to sew the patterns in the book. Everything from facings, collars, hand sewing, plackets, invisible zip, pockets and shirring are covered.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynj6FPaKTYY/VbYGdg0YetI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nQgyAovbpiI/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111848305.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ynj6FPaKTYY/VbYGdg0YetI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nQgyAovbpiI/s500/Photo%25252020150727111848305.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700518.5059" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="397" height="530"></a></div><p>I sewed two dresses from this book. The first was a <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2015/05/a-girl-dress-with-ribbon-sailor-collar.html">sailor dress from Applied pattern 7</a> where I repurposed an old shirt for the fabric.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggFpmwdrYog/VbYGpxFPiaI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/aLTMThTyc3s/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111848691.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggFpmwdrYog/VbYGpxFPiaI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/aLTMThTyc3s/s500/Photo%25252020150727111848691.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700548.2427" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The second dress I sewed was Basic Pattern 5. This is the only dress where a pattern has to be drafted. But it is very straightforward as it utilises 2 rectangles which are based on the child's measurement. </p><p>It is a number of years since I've used shirring and it's as easy as I remember. There is a photo tutorial on how to shirr fabric which a beginner would find very helpful.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGfz9fEdjdE/VbYG0JsB8wI/AAAAAAAAAbY/C9PRwfnBMAY/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111849045.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGfz9fEdjdE/VbYG0JsB8wI/AAAAAAAAAbY/C9PRwfnBMAY/s500/Photo%25252020150727111849045.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700502.5918" class="aligncenter" width="452" height="613" alt=""></a></div><p>I used ribbon for the straps as I had a perfectly matching <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/vintage-blue-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-684.html">vintage stitched janemeans ribbon</a>, but the steps needed to create straps are also given in the book and are easy to follow.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gKxJzB9WkOI/VbYG-TG6OTI/AAAAAAAAAbg/q1tJ1KtI57U/s1024/Photo%25252020150727111849413.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gKxJzB9WkOI/VbYG-TG6OTI/AAAAAAAAAbg/q1tJ1KtI57U/s500/Photo%25252020150727111849413.jpg" id="blogsy-1437992700499.5667" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="624" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>This dress was a very easy and quick make and would be a very convenient way of using a half-metre of fabric from your stash. Before I shirred the dress, my daughter thought the fabric looked like a curtain, but that didn't bother her too much once she tried it on!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font size="2">(Tuttle Publishing sent me this pattern book free. All opinions are my own. I have been happily sewing from Japanese language pattern books since <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">2009</a>)</font></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-2987306169635496062015-06-30T09:06:00.001+01:002015-06-30T09:06:12.702+01:00How-to Sew a Zip in Faux-fur Fabric<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Sewing a zip in long pile faux fur fabric is not difficult. However, figuring out how to prevent the pile (long hairs) of the fabric getting stuck in the zipper teeth, took a little longer. My solution was to sew ribbons between the zipper tape and the fabric - it worked perfectly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8crS-Cq8p0/VZJM74PZ6gI/AAAAAAAAAZk/6Vz2bPKU3qk/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090045567.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8crS-Cq8p0/VZJM74PZ6gI/AAAAAAAAAZk/6Vz2bPKU3qk/s500/Photo%25252020150630090045567.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570706.3523" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="377" height="583"></a></div><p> The back story to this unusual 'how-to' was my daughters request for a <a href="http://www.startrek.com/database_article/tribble">Tribble</a> costume (I learnt a LOT about Star Trek!). After some discussion (and my inability to figure out how the costume would work), we negotiated that a Tribble toy and a Tribble bag or backpack would do nicely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OvZeGh83K1Y/VZJNE2i1WeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/zb-wsBLgJ2w/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090045913.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OvZeGh83K1Y/VZJNE2i1WeI/AAAAAAAAAZs/zb-wsBLgJ2w/s500/Photo%25252020150630090045913.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570739.2163" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="363"></a></div><p> The long pile faux-fur fabric that characterise Tribbles was difficult to find and eventually turned up at <a href="https://www.minervacrafts.com/shop/fabric/craft-fabrics/lpf-60-wide-plain-long-pile-fur-fabric?colour=Baby%2BBlue">Minerva Crafts UK</a>, which also has very reasonable postage to Ireland.</p><p>The pattern is simply an oval shape with darts in the sides to make the Tribble more 3D.</p><p>The ribbon is a <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/pink-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-342.html?fullweb=1">stitched cotton ribbon from janemeans</a>. The width of the ribbon is important. A 15mm width ribbon works with standard zips, any wider and the ribbon would overlap at the centre of the zip and make it difficult to open. A narrower ribbon would allow the pile to get stuck.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kuX_z-__peI/VZJNPwznAjI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/CE9yN1LLssQ/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090046195.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kuX_z-__peI/VZJNPwznAjI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/CE9yN1LLssQ/s500/Photo%25252020150630090046195.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570724.6375" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="844" height="633"></a></div><p> </p><p> The steps are straightforward, except to remember that the ribbon is placed between the fabric and the zip and zipper pull must be facing down, towards the fabric. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mjJCpEBRgWc/VZJNWavDztI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/sjY9VisZjPA/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090046424.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mjJCpEBRgWc/VZJNWavDztI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/sjY9VisZjPA/s500/Photo%25252020150630090046424.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570760.9175" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="401" height="181"></a></div><p> The ribbon is sewn to both sides of the zipper. </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6bYA1ILQPjI/VZJNiOeaLnI/AAAAAAAAAaE/_hHP80MJDPo/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090046828.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6bYA1ILQPjI/VZJNiOeaLnI/AAAAAAAAAaE/_hHP80MJDPo/s500/Photo%25252020150630090046828.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570763.6782" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="365"></a></div><p> The ribbon will cover the zipper teeth and prevent the pile of the fabric getting stuck when the zip is used.</p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElJwp56pDFk/VZJNskoxr9I/AAAAAAAAAaM/2-iTesJybFk/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090048472.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ElJwp56pDFk/VZJNskoxr9I/AAAAAAAAAaM/2-iTesJybFk/s500/Photo%25252020150630090048472.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570725.9011" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As the backpack was quite a large size, I used two zippers so that it could be opened wide. A carrying strap was attached to cord loops sewn into the top and bottom of the bag. The addition of lining and a zippered pocket made the bag more functional.</span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-znThfwXa73w/VZJN8Bm-awI/AAAAAAAAAaU/nxT_kDiViGo/s1024/Photo%25252020150630090048625.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-znThfwXa73w/VZJN8Bm-awI/AAAAAAAAAaU/nxT_kDiViGo/s500/Photo%25252020150630090048625.jpg" id="blogsy-1435651570683.3708" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="523" alt=""></a></div><p> Another successful make, seen modelled here with a ribbon dress from a Japanese pattern (<a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2013/05/ribbon-dresses-how-to-select-ribbons.html">similar to these</a>) that I sewed a few years ago.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-72562041708601585562015-05-28T22:35:00.001+01:002015-05-28T22:35:34.309+01:00A Girl's Dress with Ribbon Sailor Collar<p> Sailor dress patterns have been on my 'to sew' list for my daughter for quite a while. Mostly I've been hoping that they would become a fashion trend. After waiting years for this trend to happen and seeing <a href="http://fannicefashion.com/2014/04/01/oscar-de-la-renta-spring-summer-2014-stripes-theme/">this 2014 Oscar de la Renta</a> dress, it seems that there is a <a href="http://www.boemagazine.com/2015/05/nautical-trend-for-spring-summer-roundup-2015/">2015 nautical Spring/Summer trend</a> which is extending into <a href="http://www.wgsn.com/blogs/catwalks/nautical-military-at-isabel-marant">Autumn/Winter</a>. These mentions are good enought for me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eeIwWv6z8lU/VWeJTJ9nV9I/AAAAAAAAAYo/PHPLjv9wtcg/s1024/Photo%25252020150528223041885.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eeIwWv6z8lU/VWeJTJ9nV9I/AAAAAAAAAYo/PHPLjv9wtcg/s500/Photo%25252020150528223041885.jpg" id="blogsy-1432848932075.6128" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="488"></a></div><p> The pattern I used for the dress is from a newly released English translation of Japanese sewing patterns from <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-for-your-girls-paperback-with-flaps">Tuttle Books. 'Sewing for your Girls'</a>. I intended sewing this pattern for a review of the book, but took a few too many shortcuts and didn't follow the pattern exactly. I also sewed a second dress and will review the book in my next post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4v5WsLGIbY8/VWeJfthAR2I/AAAAAAAAAYw/hf3-ISCb0zk/s1024/Photo%25252020150528223042374.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4v5WsLGIbY8/VWeJfthAR2I/AAAAAAAAAYw/hf3-ISCb0zk/s500/Photo%25252020150528223042374.jpg" id="blogsy-1432848932145.341" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="668"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The pattern pieces were cut from a second-hand man's shirt, and I included the centre front button bands from the shirt as the dress opening. This is very different from what the pattern suggests, but made it so much quicker to sew the dress....... and I didn't have to sew buttons or buttonholes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h1><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQCOHZR5CeQ/VWeJtgYZTII/AAAAAAAAAY4/x_sAJAhUkSg/s1024/Photo%25252020150528223042804.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQCOHZR5CeQ/VWeJtgYZTII/AAAAAAAAAY4/x_sAJAhUkSg/s500/Photo%25252020150528223042804.jpg" id="blogsy-1432848932096.5054" class="alignleft" alt="" width="386" height="516"></a></p></h1></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The sailor collar pattern pieces (undercollar and main collar pieces) were cut from the sleeves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5pWJKfm9xU/VWeJ609X_II/AAAAAAAAAZA/3PbPo3-hc5E/s1024/Photo%25252020150528223043192.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5pWJKfm9xU/VWeJ609X_II/AAAAAAAAAZA/3PbPo3-hc5E/s500/Photo%25252020150528223043192.jpg" id="blogsy-1432848932063.1968" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="397" alt=""></a></div><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The details are my favourite parts of this dress. Sailor stripes are usually created by sewing rows of a contrasting colour. Any of the <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stripe-ribbon-c-25_31.html">striped</a> and <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stitched-c-56_82.html">stitched</a> ribbons at Jane Means would make an excellent choice for a collar like this. I chose a <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/purple-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-12044.html">purple stitched janemeans ribbon</a> which created the illusion of stripes. I mitred the ribbon at the corners for neatness, and used Liberty of London bias binding for the neckline and armholes instead of the facings in the pattern.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4-4XrBcwKg/VWeKIfrgdeI/AAAAAAAAAZI/3IkFnyGEyYM/s1024/Photo%25252020150528223043691.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4-4XrBcwKg/VWeKIfrgdeI/AAAAAAAAAZI/3IkFnyGEyYM/s500/Photo%25252020150528223043691.jpg" id="blogsy-1432848932093.2014" class="aligncenter" width="427" height="320" alt=""></a></div><p>My daughter found these pom-poms and appliqué in my stash, so we added them and a purple ric-ric hem to complete the dress. </p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-85518401448623672862015-05-25T22:16:00.001+01:002015-05-25T22:16:04.806+01:00Sewing Swimwear, without clear elastic
<p> This orange Lycra fabric was a remnant that my daughter picked when we visited Dublin last October. As she has just started swimming classes in school, it was the perfect time to sew a new swimsuit. </p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The design process was a lot of fun. She wanted a swimming costume with a skirt and then thought for a while about which TV/book/film character who wore/was orange. She came up with '<a href="https://www.google.ie/search?q=my+little+pony+applejack&biw=543&bih=653&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=CoxjVf4gxu5Q_OmA-Ag&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&dpr=1">Applejack' from My Little Pony.</a> The most distinguishing part of any of the ponies is their 'cutie mark' so the three apples were appliqued to the skirt. The rosette isn't part of the character, but was created to continue the pony theme.</span> </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am not confident sewing with stretch fabric and even less so with Lycra fabric. I used a small-sized ballpoint needle to prevent holes in the fabric. When I realised that there was no clear elastic in my stash I almost didn't sew this. A quick internet search led me to an <a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/review/2065">excellent tip on Patternreview.</a> In fact It includes more than one tip. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><ul> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">It describes how to sew swimwear with regular elastic. </span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">It describes where to stretch the elastic for a better fit. </span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">It describes where to zig-zag on the elastic so that the edge of the fabric covers the edge of the elastic (Read the comments on the tip). </span></li> <li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">It also describes how to use a regular straight stitch on the outside. </span></li>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Following these tips made sewing the elastic in the arms, neckline and leg openings very straightforward and much easier than the last time I tried. It has made me much more confident in sewing swimwear.</span><br>
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<p>Though it's very acceptable to use a zig-zag stitch on swimwear, I much prefer how the straight stitching looks on the outside, and I was surprised how much it stretched with the fabric.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The pattern is adapted from <a href="https://www.ottobredesign.com/lehdet_js/2011_3/index.html?en">Ottobre 3/2011 no30</a> and the skirt was drafted using the hip circumference measurement and sewn with a stretch stitch.</div>
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<p> This swimsuit sewed up so quickly that we're already planning more 'My Little Pony' versions. However sourcing swimwear fabric in Ireland is not at all easy. Any Lycra fabric available is mostly marketed as dancewear or for costumes. We'll be crossing our fingers that it won't disintegrate in chlorine!!</p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-16902313180482666212015-05-14T17:35:00.001+01:002015-05-14T17:35:48.372+01:00She Wears The Pants - A Sewing Pattern Book Review
<p>A more unusual Japanese pattern book has just been translated into English and published by <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-needlework">Tuttle Books. </a><a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/she-wears-the-pants-paperback-with-flaps">'She Wears the Pants'</a> is a take on what has been called boyfriend style clothes.</p>
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<p>It was originally published in 2010 with the Japanese title which translated as 'She Has a Mannish Style'. Despite being published 5 years ago, the patterns have a very current look, with a few classics also included.</p>
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<p>There are 20 varied patterns in this pattern book, including 7 blouses/tops, 4 jackets/coats/cardigan, 4 trousers/culottes, 2 dresses, one skirt and 2 accessories stole/long collar. </p>
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<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some of the patterns, like the draped mini dress and the square top, follow the typical loose-fitting style of Japanese patterns. However, more fitted styles such as the tapered trousers and culottes above are also included. </span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The sizing is in the range from XS to L. XS corresponds approximately to US size 6, and size L corresponds to US size 14. Because the sizes are nested on the pattern sheets, it would be easy to size up one or two sizes while tracing a pattern.</span>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This book also has an excellent centre section with pictures and tips on sewing with different types of fabrics and how to finish seams on different fabrics</span></p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">As with many Japanese Pattern books, all the patterns are included on pull-out sheets in a pocket inside the back cover and patterns must be traced from these sheets.</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Instructions for sewing up each pattern are listed in numbered steps, with numbers linked to those on the corresponding diagrams. Sometimes a particular step is described and illustrated only for an earlier pattern, but usually the page number is given if a step from a different pattern needs to be used.</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seam allowances are not included, but the fabric layout diagrams show the exact allowance that is needed for each pattern piece.</span></p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some of the styles in the book would not suit my shape as I need my clothes to be a little fitted above my waist. Other styles are a little too 'edgy' for my taste. However what I found most impressive about this book was the inclusion of classic shirt and jacket patterns. </span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">The fleece and striped long jackets as well as the dotted blouse are classic styles and include details like welt pockets, bound buttonholes, sleeve plackets and collar and under collar, which are thoroughly illustrated with clear detailed diagrams. </span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">What make me love this book is the diagram on 'bagging a jacket'. This sewing technique is generally difficult to describe in words, and also difficult to demonstrate and photograph with an actual jacket, but this book provides a detailed, numbered line-drawing. I have quite a collection of Japanese language pattern books and English translations, and this is the first I noticed with this type of jacket diagram.</div>
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<p> The pattern I had planned on sewing from this book is this draped mini dress, but life got in the way a little, so instead I chose to use part of another pattern.</p>
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<p>My son wanted a costume for Cork Comic Expo which was held a few weeks ago in a local shopping centre, Mahon Point. The costume was a black cape and hat for 'V for Vendetta'. I had to draft the hat myself, but used a vintage pattern for the cape. However, the Cape pattern didn't include a collar, so I needed a well-designed curved collar pattern which would stand up well. I found No.18 Dotted Blouse had exactly what I needed and traced the collar and collar stand. The only change I needed to make was to increase the size of the lapels to provide the look that my son wanted.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/mahonpoint/photos/pb.270466141924.-2207520000.1431601259./10152952688741925/?type=3&theater">(Pic source: Facebook Mahon Point)</a></font></p>
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<p>I think he got the look!</p>
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<p> <em><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Tuttle Publishing sent me this pattern book free. All opinions are my own. I have been successfully sewing from Japanese language pattern books since <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html" target="_self" title="" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books" target="_self" title="" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html">2009</a>)</font></em></p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-22810032117363309172015-03-31T01:06:00.001+01:002015-03-31T01:06:44.728+01:00Burda knit dress & using tiny ribbon pieces<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">All parents of school-going children should be prepared for the 'colour' days that happen in schools which are often for fundraising. There are red days to support county teams, blue days for autisim awareness, green days for our national Saint and last week we had a yellow day for cancer support. I don't normally sew for each colour day, but this time I was glad of the excuse to take a break from communion dress sewing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uu1cbbo3K2o/VRnkQbZTg6I/AAAAAAAAAVg/MUpUqlhQzJ0/s1024/Photo%25252020150331010227065.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uu1cbbo3K2o/VRnkQbZTg6I/AAAAAAAAAVg/MUpUqlhQzJ0/s500/Photo%25252020150331010227065.jpg" id="blogsy-1427760404571.765" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="675"></a></div><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This girls dress is from the current issue of <a href="http://www.burdastyle.co.uk/burda-style-magazines/burdastyle-april-15-magazine-u-k">Burdastyle magazine 4/15</a> no.136. Every month there are a few children's patterns in the magazine and I have always liked their <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Burda">sizing and fit</a>. This dress was no different. I graded up a size to 134, just to allow for some growing room, but the dress would have still fit well.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AlZ2Ajw2aA4/VRnka69BUuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/vWnrOz18e8g/s1024/Photo%25252020150331010227316.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AlZ2Ajw2aA4/VRnka69BUuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/vWnrOz18e8g/s500/Photo%25252020150331010227316.jpg" id="blogsy-1427760404611.571" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="605"></a></div><p> It's an interesting design, with the neck facing applied to the outside. It is also clearly well-designed as the facing fit beautifully <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and I love how neatly the shoulder seams align.</span> This would be straightforward on a woven fabric, but usually much more difficult on a knit fabric. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uljq0twZ3nM/VRnkkOcxamI/AAAAAAAAAVw/6U6sl7TH_xs/s1024/Photo%25252020150331010227961.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uljq0twZ3nM/VRnkkOcxamI/AAAAAAAAAVw/6U6sl7TH_xs/s500/Photo%25252020150331010227961.jpg" id="blogsy-1427760404582.5364" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Though I used a stable knit fabric (not very stretchy) I didn't want the shoulders to get stretched with wear. The best way to do this is to stabilise the shoulder seams with interfacing which is hidden. I took a different approach by choosing to make the stabiliser more obvious and picked some <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/stitched-c-56_82.html">janemeans stitched ribbon</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KhS6r1oZQqk/VRnktm6vnBI/AAAAAAAAAV4/FtrzlaDp5Is/s1024/Photo%25252020150331010228467.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KhS6r1oZQqk/VRnktm6vnBI/AAAAAAAAAV4/FtrzlaDp5Is/s500/Photo%25252020150331010228467.jpg" id="blogsy-1427760404574.9749" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p> The <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/sage-green-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-193.html">green stitched ribbon</a> is placed under the shoulder seam while it is being sewn, and a second line of stitching is sewn along the ribbon and seam edge. Once the ribbon and seam are pressed it forms a neat finish to the seam as well as preventing the shoulder seam from stretching and sagging. Of course this is also a perfect way to use those tiny pieces of beautiful ribbon leftover from bigger projects.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WJ9qDAf7viY/VRnk4G98Q6I/AAAAAAAAAWA/HXWTJFE3D78/s1024/Photo%25252020150331010228871.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WJ9qDAf7viY/VRnk4G98Q6I/AAAAAAAAAWA/HXWTJFE3D78/s500/Photo%25252020150331010228871.jpg" id="blogsy-1427760404665.9153" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="850" alt=""></a></div><p> I altered the pattern by not including a back opening, and not adding neckline and pocket piping. The instructions recommended sewing the side seams and then inserting the sleeves but it was much quicker to sew each sleeve to it's armhole and the <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">sew each sleeve seam and side seam all at once.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2iy9HMQSq8c/VRnlEM7lIkI/AAAAAAAAAWI/CiwEwzaTwqc/s1024/Photo%25252020150331010229275.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2iy9HMQSq8c/VRnlEM7lIkI/AAAAAAAAAWI/CiwEwzaTwqc/s500/Photo%25252020150331010229275.jpg" id="blogsy-1427760404652.236" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="668" alt=""></a></div><p> I just had a day to sew the dress so unusually didn't consult my daughter on the fabric and the pattern, but she was thrilled to have a yellow dress and got very involved (obviously, I suppose!) in picking out the fringe and neckline trims.</p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-8336974438052739492015-02-28T22:47:00.001+00:002015-02-28T22:47:04.937+00:00Handmade Clothes for Girls: A Sewing Pattern Book Review<p> One of my favourite Japanese Sewing Book authors/pattern designers is Yuki Araki. I have 3 of her books in Japanese (one which was <a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">translated into French</a>) and previously sewed from 2 of her pattern books <a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">here</a> and <a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">here</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Recently one of her books '<a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sew-sweet-handmade-clothes-for-girls-paperback-with-flaps?fullSite=1">Sew Sweet: Handmade Clothes for Girls'</a> (that I happened not to have in Japanese) has been translated into English. <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-needlework">Tuttle Books</a> sent me a copy to review.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L1wK8FU_m0Y/VPJEWHxVD4I/AAAAAAAAAT0/DH8eE_IRfz0/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224153116.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L1wK8FU_m0Y/VPJEWHxVD4I/AAAAAAAAAT0/DH8eE_IRfz0/s500/Photo%25252020150228224153116.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624717.7253" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Though I always love the pictures In Japanese pattern books, I usually have to skip straight to the pattern instructions as it is these diagrams and line drawings that I understand, despite the language barrier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fhxokCXs6Kk/VPJEhYWlb6I/AAAAAAAAAT8/mxAkXoI2WZY/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224153688.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fhxokCXs6Kk/VPJEhYWlb6I/AAAAAAAAAT8/mxAkXoI2WZY/s500/Photo%25252020150228224153688.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624676.6262" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>With this book it was a treat to finally be able to read Yuki Araki's words and understand her designing and sewing process. The patterns in the book are interspersed with little personal notes about sewing or her daughters, and being able to read and understand these added immensely to my enjoyment of the book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CvlgaVe00mQ/VPJEqOVOAAI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Bj6FxfvGAOU/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224154330.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CvlgaVe00mQ/VPJEqOVOAAI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Bj6FxfvGAOU/s500/Photo%25252020150228224154330.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624696.8777" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Sew Sweet is a sewing pattern book with 22 patterns (as well as extra variations) for dresses, camisoles, blouses, bags, a hat, a jacket, shorts/leggings, skirts, and even two tops for women.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_AlZhcSBTd8/VPJE1XCjzlI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ldExewKpCOo/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224154779.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_AlZhcSBTd8/VPJE1XCjzlI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ldExewKpCOo/s500/Photo%25252020150228224154779.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624749.337" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The layout of the book follows that of most Japanese pattern books. The pictures of the designs are at the front and the pattern instructions with clear, detailed diagrams are towards the back. The centre of the book includes general information or 'Sewing Notes' on sizing, tracing patterns, fabric layouts, marking and cutting, as well as sewing tips. There is also a picture tutorial for one of the patterns which includes details on how to construct a strip placket and stand-up collar.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The sizes in this pattern book are approximately from 18months to 6 years. (There's a very useful size chart on the <a href="http://finishedgarment.ca/size-kid-rough-size-equivalents-sewists/">finishedgarment blog</a> which compares sizes across children's patterns, though Japanese patterns are not specifically included)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eRg58RHVamw/VPJFAkEfONI/AAAAAAAAAUU/uxbehydGkLw/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224155189.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eRg58RHVamw/VPJFAkEfONI/AAAAAAAAAUU/uxbehydGkLw/s500/Photo%25252020150228224155189.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624748.1887" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>As part of my review of Sew Sweet, I sewed one of the patterns from the book, pattern 'C' which is a double-layered skirt with a waist casing and a ribbon casing. It is one of two patterns in the book that are not on the pattern sheets, and I was able to cut it out easily by marking the included measurements on the fabric. All the other patterns are easily identifiable on the pattern sheets and need to be traced.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e69xm5L_n0/VPJFMw31etI/AAAAAAAAAUc/kWgEIzw9rJU/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224155679.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e69xm5L_n0/VPJFMw31etI/AAAAAAAAAUc/kWgEIzw9rJU/s500/Photo%25252020150228224155679.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624701.612" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p>To coordinate with the white/pink spotty fabric, I chose a <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/chocolate-pink-spotty-ribbon-15mm-p-663.html">chocolate and pink ribbon</a> from <a href="http://www.janemeans.com/">janemeans</a>. The ribbon casing is not sewn into the waistband on the inside which means the ribbon colour can be easily changed whenever the wearer wishes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHaOmB-Qadc/VPJFZOYE-TI/AAAAAAAAAUk/7jvTzJNV5A8/s1024/Photo%25252020150228224156005.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHaOmB-Qadc/VPJFZOYE-TI/AAAAAAAAAUk/7jvTzJNV5A8/s500/Photo%25252020150228224156005.jpg" id="blogsy-1425163624738.086" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="750" alt=""></a></div><p> My daughter can't wait for warmer weather so that she can wear this, though it looks like she'll have to wait a few more months.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><em><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" size="3">(Tuttle Publishing sent me this pattern book free. All opinions are my own. I have been happily sewing from Japanese language pattern books since <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html" target="_self" title="" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books" target="_self" title="" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html">2009</a>)</font></em><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-4338482067840787082015-01-29T20:22:00.001+00:002015-01-29T20:22:48.457+00:00Handmade Bags - A Pattern Book Review
<p> Having <a href="https://platform.twitter.com/jot.html">sewn small bags</a> from Japanese Pattern books previously, I was delighted when this new English translation of a book of bag patterns from <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-needlework">Tuttle Publishing</a> arrived. </p>
<p>Emiko Takahashi's book, <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/handmade-bags-in-natural-fabrics-paperback-with-flaps?fullSite=1">Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics</a>, has 25 individual full-sized patterns from which 60 bags can be sewn. There are easy patterns for tote bags, bags with zips and pockets, shopping basket bags, and purses with clasps.</p>
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<p>The information in the book is very detailed, even including a section on the different types of interfacing and wadding to be used in each bag. All patterns have to be traced and are in both inches and centimetres. Seam allowances (all illustrated) have to be added when cutting.</p>
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<p>There are various types of straps and handles shown, and 2 pages of sewing basics (sewing and hem stitches and seam finishes) are also presented. This book of bag patterns provides all the information needed for handstitching each bag. </p>
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<p>I had a momentary lapse of reason when I considered handsewing a bag, but thankfully that passed quickly when I realised that the pattern instructions can be easily adapted to machine sewing!</p>
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<p>The bag I picked to sew was the Reversible Full-circle Bag, mainly because there was a completely different use that I planned for it. </p>
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<p> It is a lined circular bag with loops (or cord carriers) at intervals around the edges. The 16 individual loops are sewn from folded rectangles of fabric. As a change to the pattern I used lengths of <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=b326b3ffe2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fstitched-ribbon-15mm-p-327.html%3FosCsid%3D6c7cdefc9a7ea7e20b32451a0b09d0ec">red</a> and <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=094819e736&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fstitched-ribbon-c-25_33.html">green stitched ribbon</a> from <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/">Jane Means</a>. Using ribbon made sewing the bag much, much faster.</p>
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<p>The final bag was sewn in a floral cotton fabric with a red satin contrast fabric from my stash. As the bag is reversible, either of these fabrics can be on the outside. The bag straps are from a length of cord with is threaded through the ribbon loops. </p>
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<p> And the alternative use that I planned for it? </p>
<p>Well that caused many puzzled looks and hilarity when I told my family that it was a skirt for a tree, they really thought that it was a joke, until they saw it in place and they were very impressed!</p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">I got the idea from similar patterns I have seen on the Internet. If made larger, this can be used as a floor mat and then gathered up to help tidy away toys, for example. </span></p>
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<p> The book is designed for beginners which I would mostly agree with. There are no cutting layouts, and though they are not necessary for sewing the bags, they make layout and cutting a easier for anyone with little sewing experience. However 6 of the bags are illustrated in more detail with photo tutorials, and all the illustration have the usual excellent detail associated with Japanese sewing patterns.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XjGgjfjiFfY/VMqWlBogwkI/AAAAAAAAATg/HVJCCfvTOvw/s1024/Photo%25252020150129201624269.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XjGgjfjiFfY/VMqWlBogwkI/AAAAAAAAATg/HVJCCfvTOvw/s500/Photo%25252020150129201624269.jpg" id="blogsy-1422562968196.0132" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="615" alt=""></a></div>
<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are more patterns that I plan on sewing from this book. One in particular is the purse pattern (lower left above) which includes instructions on how to use a purse frame. The clear illustrations make it look much easier than I thought it would be.</span></p>
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<p><em><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Tuttle Publishing sent me this pattern book free. All opinions are my own. I have been happily sewing from Japanese language pattern books since <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html" target="_self" title="" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_self" title=""></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books">2009</a>)</font></em></p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-84746794117762585872014-12-30T23:09:00.001+00:002014-12-30T23:13:51.735+00:00Sleeping Beauty - A Costume for the Panto.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">As Christmas (aka pantomime season) and my daughters birthday are close together, her godmother takes her to a <a href="http://corkoperahouse.ie/events/sleeping-beauty-0">pantomime in Cork</a>, our nearest city. As part of this treat, my daughter likes to wear the costume of the main character. So in the past I've sewn an <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2013/01/a-belated-date-with-alice.html">Alice dress</a>, a Cinderella dress (not blogged), and this year it was Sleeping Beauty's turn. </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr></tbody></table><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;"> </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr></tbody></table><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="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s4yyVtVX5xk/VKMwMM8b6pI/AAAAAAAAAR4/tQyLvife9LM/s768/Photo%25252020141230230702770.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s4yyVtVX5xk/VKMwMM8b6pI/AAAAAAAAAR4/tQyLvife9LM/s500/Photo%25252020141230230702770.jpg" id="blogsy-1419980981903.2507" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="423"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br><br></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Pink is the colour most associated with Aurora/Sleeping Beauty's dress, but in the film and books, she wears a different dress before she 'falls asleep'. Though my daughter hasn't quite left the 'pink phase'! she didn't take much convincing when I showed her pictures of the other dress worn by Aurora.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5HmQcWVhRWo/VKMwWVXf9lI/AAAAAAAAASA/Lo0bve_Q__A/s1024/Photo%25252020141230230703248.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5HmQcWVhRWo/VKMwWVXf9lI/AAAAAAAAASA/Lo0bve_Q__A/s500/Photo%25252020141230230703248.jpg" id="blogsy-1419980981834.662" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="663"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">An online search for images of the dress, led me to pick View 2 of this vintage Advance pattern 5816 that I already had, because of its v-shaped bodice and skirt. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The main additions the skirt pattern needed was length, and extra fabric added to the centre front and centre back to create pleats. I also curved the top of the bodice at the front and back armholes and cut a centre front seam so that I could create a lace-up bodice.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The sleeves and upper bodice were adapted from <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5980-products-47857.php?page_id=376">Butterick 5890</a>. I recently used this pattern for the <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2014/10/details-on-queen-elsa-coronation-dress.html">Elsa Coronation dress</a> which I sewed for Halloween. I had to draft the white collar myself using a flexible ruler, then measuring the neckline curve once I had sewn the shoulders of the front and back bodices. I've never drafted a collar before, so was surprised and pleased that it lay flat and looked so good.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7JCvr4Qmf6A/VKMwgI6OI7I/AAAAAAAAASI/XXHeNuEOd-Q/s1024/Photo%25252020141230230703484.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7JCvr4Qmf6A/VKMwgI6OI7I/AAAAAAAAASI/XXHeNuEOd-Q/s500/Photo%25252020141230230703484.jpg" id="blogsy-1419980981824.6658" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="849"></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The dress turned out exactly as we both imagined, especially the centre front which has eyelets and is laced up with narrow grosgrain ribbon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2ff01jyeiM/VKMwm2X0IWI/AAAAAAAAASQ/s1Czaujurds/s855/Photo%25252020141230230703677.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2ff01jyeiM/VKMwm2X0IWI/AAAAAAAAASQ/s1Czaujurds/s500/Photo%25252020141230230703677.jpg" id="blogsy-1419980981838.3743" class="aligncenter" width="414" height="414" alt=""></a></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The fabrics are all from <a href="http://shop.vibesandscribes.ie/">Vibes and Scribes</a>, a well-stocked fabric, wool and haberdashery shop in Cork that now delivers online. The top bodice is cream cotton jersey, the main bodice is a soft-textured black polyester, and the skirt is a medium-weight sateen which was the last piece on the bolt.</span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P27UlLYeWNE/VKMwsIOS2HI/AAAAAAAAASY/VPQBHlRvcqs/s1024/Photo%25252020141230230704007.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P27UlLYeWNE/VKMwsIOS2HI/AAAAAAAAASY/VPQBHlRvcqs/s500/Photo%25252020141230230704007.jpg" id="blogsy-1419980981830.428" class="aligncenter" width="400" height="998" alt=""></a></div><p>Though it seemed like I was cobbling together parts of patterns, and making up pieces and instructions as I went along, the dress worked and most importantly she was delighted with it. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-50258580151866031042014-11-30T19:33:00.000+00:002014-11-30T20:04:02.605+00:00A Girl's Winter Coat and a Craftsy Class Review<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><p>Most years, I sew a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_503631560"></span>winters coat<span id="goog_503631561"></span></a> for my daughter. When <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9043-products-48767.php?page_id=174">Vogue pattern V9043</a> was released by the <a href="http://www.mccall.com/home.html">McCalls Pattern Company</a> this year, I knew it was 'the one' for this winter. </p></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY5qcRte-3Ktz7hoe991i9-jE92vz-LLBcze3fFXzyimtpaxMvNIJQZK7uh5QcPImSzKKfsEUu5gcY-LTfTXtLBcXACfPGlbLCTAvOLMViXyL9pd6_PWPF9EL_FwD8Uza9sB-fxN5ynU/s640/blogger-image--2071991493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY5qcRte-3Ktz7hoe991i9-jE92vz-LLBcze3fFXzyimtpaxMvNIJQZK7uh5QcPImSzKKfsEUu5gcY-LTfTXtLBcXACfPGlbLCTAvOLMViXyL9pd6_PWPF9EL_FwD8Uza9sB-fxN5ynU/s640/blogger-image--2071991493.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545933.3296" class="" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then, a little serendipity .... On Twitter <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/inside-vogue-patterns-coatmaking-techniques-v9040/4791?_ct=sbqii-jxucu-byij-ycw&_ctp=2&rceId=1417376718705~z3i3r57c&_egg=sekhiu_wqbbuho_20131031&_ege=4791">Steffani Linceum</a>, a tutor who blogs at <a href="http://stitchcoach.blogspot.ie/">Stitchcoach</a>,was looking for a few people to review her <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/inside-vogue-patterns-coatmaking-techniques-v9040/4791?_ct=sbqii-jxucu-byij-ycw&_ctp=2&rceId=1417376642637~d98c9un6&_egg=sekhiu_wqbbuho_20131031&_ege=4791">Craftsy class</a> on sewing the <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9040-products-48764.php?page_id=265&search_control=display&list=search">adult-sized version V9040</a> and I jumped at the chance. I watched all sections of the class almost back-to-back, and loved it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not doing things by half, I decided to use the class to help me sew my daughter's coat, before reviewing it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The class '<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/inside-vogue-patterns-coatmaking-techniques-v9040/4791?_ct=sbqii-jxucu-byij-ycw&_ctp=2&rceId=1417376642637~d98c9un6&_egg=sekhiu_wqbbuho_20131031&_ege=4791">Inside Vogue Patterns</a>' covers everything about sewing a winter coat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Basting interlining to the main fabric was a first for me and the teacher shows how to do this so that it won't bulge or bubble under the main fabric. I used a lightweight wool fabric for the interlining, though barely had enough for the front bodice pieces as evident in the picture below!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLaiMwzeyAM1oHTehtqJTM-2hxK6sQDGUzqkYzfO05376-E9YRE1_pvmrUbWhjfYtFWqhUaxOAIJkUY9wC80NMr9OS11vDQjUsU6Ln3vIGYzFx5iN-7EFHskJj8MXAa33TghTn730Lsw/s640/blogger-image--1166850725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLaiMwzeyAM1oHTehtqJTM-2hxK6sQDGUzqkYzfO05376-E9YRE1_pvmrUbWhjfYtFWqhUaxOAIJkUY9wC80NMr9OS11vDQjUsU6Ln3vIGYzFx5iN-7EFHskJj8MXAa33TghTn730Lsw/s640/blogger-image--1166850725.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545981.6245" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLaiMwzeyAM1oHTehtqJTM-2hxK6sQDGUzqkYzfO05376-E9YRE1_pvmrUbWhjfYtFWqhUaxOAIJkUY9wC80NMr9OS11vDQjUsU6Ln3vIGYzFx5iN-7EFHskJj8MXAa33TghTn730Lsw/s640/blogger-image--1166850725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19yMNjcqJDCayJhcFFHDVvqXxVANpkS7-gG7qnqVI6gSnx_yZ7vKM46ebWO-kZkwPrSjnjOC1KdMx1TZ4zQOGlGOHQAOd-bq9YuP8bFIRpEEhAbG6zXFV1_JtnhHtLf6tY-mK0qXPYAk/s640/blogger-image--347070244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19yMNjcqJDCayJhcFFHDVvqXxVANpkS7-gG7qnqVI6gSnx_yZ7vKM46ebWO-kZkwPrSjnjOC1KdMx1TZ4zQOGlGOHQAOd-bq9YuP8bFIRpEEhAbG6zXFV1_JtnhHtLf6tY-mK0qXPYAk/s640/blogger-image--347070244.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545931.7573" class="" alt=""></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: black;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I added velvet piping in the pockets (this is only in the child's pattern, so I didn't have Steffani's calm teaching to guide me for this part!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl2ZPkg4H7fnERlhk51PoUzwbY1STG8fvBlx_cx-YcxSCL2b33MMVtTMps62JboUS78_aMigQcEKMOMlsJWZDW2JG6hJgyEP0Sa0B3nniutAvMorIu-61SzH8tuGA-kcl-GpcJFM7Cos/s640/blogger-image-103830025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl2ZPkg4H7fnERlhk51PoUzwbY1STG8fvBlx_cx-YcxSCL2b33MMVtTMps62JboUS78_aMigQcEKMOMlsJWZDW2JG6hJgyEP0Sa0B3nniutAvMorIu-61SzH8tuGA-kcl-GpcJFM7Cos/s640/blogger-image-103830025.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545901.2083" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The lining is a pink cotton, and I added 2 extra inside pockets which are not on the child's pattern, but there is a pattern piece for one of the pockets included as part of the class.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oc9tUMzRLSqHMUT7e5cjeqYk57ptMGnHEHshcCyiWb0c5ZN2FmeoIaf8zV5UX4jpr5_3Wsy4cUw1xdMU4EKAESzahnteXNXjoP6beEsbw4NvaO87NSjeWWQAW_MkIEnjiRkP-pq9KEI/s640/blogger-image-1941432563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oc9tUMzRLSqHMUT7e5cjeqYk57ptMGnHEHshcCyiWb0c5ZN2FmeoIaf8zV5UX4jpr5_3Wsy4cUw1xdMU4EKAESzahnteXNXjoP6beEsbw4NvaO87NSjeWWQAW_MkIEnjiRkP-pq9KEI/s640/blogger-image-1941432563.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545979.6453" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The sleeve linings are white silk, to make the coat easier to put on and because I did the same for my Minoru jacket and love it.</span></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaU6rm5-wZhHcCMiUmaDMTvb8qAEfBVhR2UJBZXcKJ9fAAwpTw9prShKpUEfAwbTU_JSnSVvewxBYZSR95asuTy9dM6m8wameRsz45y7xY_ezUv1Sw9n8SU7hmCTue72KGd4zIk_fr0w/s640/blogger-image--1462330287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaU6rm5-wZhHcCMiUmaDMTvb8qAEfBVhR2UJBZXcKJ9fAAwpTw9prShKpUEfAwbTU_JSnSVvewxBYZSR95asuTy9dM6m8wameRsz45y7xY_ezUv1Sw9n8SU7hmCTue72KGd4zIk_fr0w/s640/blogger-image--1462330287.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545925.0657" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The back hem was noticeably longer than the front when my daughter tried on the coat, so that needed a deeper hem than indicated in the pattern.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4sPt2oDMV8ZzNHHBiiyKmiKXHowNUhJiYkhTt0rtro_TkYJVBj726BH3G5bpifk_neWgZIOOB2owMr6vTt2LtxLFgFYi83uSBw6sD_PT4yMSbxFNEsKhAgaW7WOfzchmbMRJcR1vFxQ/s640/blogger-image--924080658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4sPt2oDMV8ZzNHHBiiyKmiKXHowNUhJiYkhTt0rtro_TkYJVBj726BH3G5bpifk_neWgZIOOB2owMr6vTt2LtxLFgFYi83uSBw6sD_PT4yMSbxFNEsKhAgaW7WOfzchmbMRJcR1vFxQ/s640/blogger-image--924080658.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545988.666" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The collar of the child's coat is beautifully designed and in 2 pieces. It is different to the adult coat, so I also missed the teacher's help with this part, though it worked fine just using the pattern instructions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3gs4bIhL5UHJkudgTmDwN0rt0aWmcNG-dKpvgqjHiW0EZ-VrBqWgm5rPm1TVrirQiY1QjVjWPQ-VTYn0EdYM5a_cthI6p5zMhcrAPel1MwhtHPsPV-8ft6JvRCTn7JVvs50OGwtPY2k/s640/blogger-image--1851353848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3gs4bIhL5UHJkudgTmDwN0rt0aWmcNG-dKpvgqjHiW0EZ-VrBqWgm5rPm1TVrirQiY1QjVjWPQ-VTYn0EdYM5a_cthI6p5zMhcrAPel1MwhtHPsPV-8ft6JvRCTn7JVvs50OGwtPY2k/s640/blogger-image--1851353848.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545918.3865" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finding buttons in a matching colour was difficult. We considered a contrasting colour, but nothing seemed right. Our local fabric store owner recommended covering buttons in velvet. It worked perfectly, more so because the pile of the fabric hides the dents I made while pressing the button parts together!</span></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYhAwoMoVl3ciqZvaffplzBUGZ6gsRbNYrp1JsiUzpzuihr7zCk4WHkV2axmu9g5a6c7YX_R6Ry88PWKOJ6JXbjVmllhShklsswbOmoUrn0rWyNVdBoDUuOHNu9VuWiC4yuN4dKBJ4SU/s640/blogger-image-1133380150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYhAwoMoVl3ciqZvaffplzBUGZ6gsRbNYrp1JsiUzpzuihr7zCk4WHkV2axmu9g5a6c7YX_R6Ry88PWKOJ6JXbjVmllhShklsswbOmoUrn0rWyNVdBoDUuOHNu9VuWiC4yuN4dKBJ4SU/s640/blogger-image-1133380150.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545934.061" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My favourite parts of the coat are the addition of fun smaller buttons on the inside of the coat to strengthen the hold of the outer buttons - suggested by the class teacher. My other favourite part is the addition of an inside pocket with <a href="http://www.janemeans.com%2fvintage-blue-stitched-ribbon-p-683.html/">pleated janemeans ribbon</a> over the opening. In the Craftsy class, Steffani calls this a Chinese Wedding Pocket, and used folded pieces of bias binding for the edge. My daughter loved the idea of this 'secret' pocket and being able to find it easily without looking, simply by touching the ribbon. It made her feel like a secret agent!</span></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ugcQ4-odjyLtaUeip817k7lTJxpON9EzL00gAIddRDFwTltwYc1DMJ3CwNvyuuIJvkJLdLpVN3Q8GIJCha5EzY7U9SckF8C07roRHIpn-cMPwsa7ByqF5-xV5ndxPRt4xE83uo9NCbE/s640/blogger-image--483344800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ugcQ4-odjyLtaUeip817k7lTJxpON9EzL00gAIddRDFwTltwYc1DMJ3CwNvyuuIJvkJLdLpVN3Q8GIJCha5EzY7U9SckF8C07roRHIpn-cMPwsa7ByqF5-xV5ndxPRt4xE83uo9NCbE/s640/blogger-image--483344800.jpg" id="blogsy-1417377545928.8193" class="" alt=""></a></span></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Of everything I've sewn, I'm very proud of the work that has gone into this coat. The class, with all the tutor's hints and tips, made such a difference, more that I could have imagined. Despite sewing coats before, the guidance of a sewist with experience has helped me sew a much better quality coat. The advice on grading seams, creating a sleeve head, using interlining, allowing for 'turn of cloth' and many more topics are covered, and in a very straightforward manner by the teacher, who evidently has often used all the techniques that she is demonstrating. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are some more details about the class on the <a href="http://stitchcoach.blogspot.ie/2014/07/new-class-giveaway-inside-vogue.html">tutor's blog</a>, and it is also worth checking the reviews on Craftsy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Now, if I could only be brave enough to sew the adult-sized version for myself ...... maybe for next winter!</span></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">(I received the Craftsy class for free, sewed a coat using the teaching and techniques from the class and reviewed the class based on my experience)</span></font></div><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-78040042593824499972014-10-29T22:09:00.001+00:002014-10-30T20:57:55.255+00:00Details on Queen Elsa's Coronation Dress<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">In the film Frozen there is a lot of detailed Scandanavian, and in particular Norwegian, artwork known as rosemaling. 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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(<a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2014/10/fabric-search-for-elsa-coronation-dress.html">The previous post looked at finding fabric for this dress)</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I considered a few options for decorating this dress, especially appliqué, or sewing on ribbon strips. However ironing appliqué on velvet would damage the pile, and sewing ribbon on a stretch fabric would be difficult and affect the drape of the dress. Initially, drawing the designs on the dress didn't seem the best idea. I looked at clips from the film again, and decided it was at least worth a try. I drew out the design on paper and drew it freehand on the velvet with fabric markers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It really isn't perfect, but I think it worked much better than the other options and suited the fabric.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The dress is based on <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5980-products-47857.php?page_id=376">Butterick pattern 5980 View D (View B length) </a>which I altered to add sleeves with v-shaped hems and narrowed the dress hem width. I chose this pattern because the seam lines reflected those of the dress in the film. All the inside seams are French seams, with the yoke sewn on the outside and covered with ribbon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The top part of the cape is based on the cape pattern from <a href="http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-OS026LIT.html">Oliver&S Little Things to Sew</a>, dramatically shortened. The longer pleated part is based on my daughter's height. Her back width was tripled to allow enough fabric for the pleats.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I used organza ribbon for the orange accents on the dress, but used <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Frich-purple-stitched-ribbon-p-12134.html">janemeans purple stitched ribbon</a> for the inside hem of the cape and used janemeans<a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fplum-taffeta-wired-ribbon-25mm-p-384.html"> plum wired ribbon</a> for the upper part. The decorations at the neckline on the black velvet were cut out from <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fteal-wired-ribbon-25mm-p-611.html">teal wired janemeans ribbon</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There's not much more to add except that it's a total success and worth all the work .... you can almost guess the line of the song from the poses in these pictures. The dress induces bouts of random singing 'Let it go' with very demonstrative 'I'm free' while throwing off the cape! </span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-68096216999312005602014-10-16T20:16:00.001+01:002014-10-22T22:41:07.006+01:00Free Tickets to Knitting & Stitching Show Dublin & Harrogate
<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">22/10/2014 10.30pm</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Edited to add: 8 names from comments/emails were entered and put into the very technological hat! </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The 3 winners of a pair of tickets each are: Fionnuala, Maeve and Jennibean.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Your tickets will be posted once I get your addresses.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Thank you for entering. </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Angela.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVemXDwWn5jkt1lGIBzx6fa7Sa3kNe90rPY06pHXdoSUEQca-k_p_e-w7v9bFjMGl_UtHRWzbsuhiBjtxSyObHIkVJ1aMnb7kTRaiG8GuY4D_-zlthchy1hDhcf1Eg6qPJfgkDS_iGxxY/s640/blogger-image--514161565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVemXDwWn5jkt1lGIBzx6fa7Sa3kNe90rPY06pHXdoSUEQca-k_p_e-w7v9bFjMGl_UtHRWzbsuhiBjtxSyObHIkVJ1aMnb7kTRaiG8GuY4D_-zlthchy1hDhcf1Eg6qPJfgkDS_iGxxY/s640/blogger-image--514161565.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Original post:</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The Knitting and Stitching show has been the highlight of October for me in the last few years. I generally go for fabric and some sewing supplies as well as the excellent exhibitions, but the show has something for all kinds of crafters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">This year I was delighted to be contacted by the organisers, offering complimentary tickets for a blog giveaway.<span style="line-height: 1.3em; text-align: center;"> </span>
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<pre>The show includes most textile related activities - <br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Cross stitch<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Dress-making<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Embroidery<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Felt-making<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Knitting and Crochet<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Lace-making<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Patchwork and Quilting<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Spinning, Weaving and Dyeing<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Tapestry <br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">as well as <br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Beadwork<br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Card-making<br></span> Jewellery-making</pre>
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<p>Scroll down for further details about the show. More information is also available at the <a href="http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/">Knitting and Stitching Show website.</a></p>
<p> <font color="#ff0f00"><strong>GIVEAWAY </strong></font></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Win a pair of complimentary tickets to the show in Dublin, Ireland or Harrogate, UK - valid for entry Thurs, Fri & Sun (Saturday not included).</span><br></p>
<p>3 pairs to give away.</p>
<p><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">Event Details</strong><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em;">: The Knitting & Stitching Show at RDS, Simonscourt, Dublin, Ireland.</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Dates</strong>: Thursday October 30<span style="vertical-align: 6pt;">th </span>to Sunday November 2<span style="vertical-align: 6pt;">nd </span>2014</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Opening Times</strong>Thursday/ Friday: 10am to 5.30pm / Sunday: 10am to 5.00pm. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">OR</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong><font>Event Details</font></strong><font>: The Knitting & Stitching Show at HIC, Harrogate, UK</font></span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Dates</strong>: Thursday November 20<span style="vertical-align: 6pt;">th </span>to Sunday November 23rd 2014</span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Opening Times</strong>Thursday 10am to 7pm; Friday: 10am to 5.30pm; Sunday: 10am to 5.00pm. </span></p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p>
<p> <font size="5" color="#ff0f00"><strong><u style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">To Enter:</u></strong></font></p>
<p>Leave a comment with contact details or email in the comment section. No need to follow, unless you really want to!</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>Contact me with by email with your address.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Calibri,Bold"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 24.266666412353516px;"><strong>Closing date</strong>: Wednesday 22nd October 10pm. (To allow tickets to be posted in time for the Dublin show)</span></font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri, Bold"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 24.266666412353516px;">The 3 winners will be contacted by email and Tickets will be posted once I have address details.</span></font></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 1.3em;"><strong>Details about the Knitting and Stitching Show in Dublin:</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">Needles at the ready for The Great Irish PicKnit!<br></span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">Join the PicKnit at the Knitting & Stitching Show, RDS, Dublin, Oct 30</span><span style="font-size: 8.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; vertical-align: 6.000000pt">th </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">– </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">2</span><span style="font-size: 8.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; vertical-align: 6.000000pt">nd </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">Nov</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Thousands of knitting enthusiasts are invited to pack their needles and wool for </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">The GreatIrish PicKnit </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">which features at the </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">Knitting & Stitching Show in the RDS, Dublin, fromOctober 30</span><span style="font-size: 8.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; vertical-align: 6.000000pt">th </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">– </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'">November 2</span><span style="font-size: 8.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; vertical-align: 6.000000pt">nd</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">The show organisers are predicting that The PicKnit, a social gathering involving knitting andfood, will become the next big pastime </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">in Ireland’s towns and cities, saying it is the perfect</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">recipe for a darn good time!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the show, which will feature a uniquecombination of inspirational galleries, workshops and exhibitors selling everything fromstunning fabrics, wools and threads, through to </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'; color: rgb(26.700003%, 9.800000%, 16.100002%)">sewing machines, patterns and books</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IIL1dgu1ibM/VEAZgUp8-gI/AAAAAAAAAO4/eCpfLgZ4ZdE/s931/Photo%25252020141016201411.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IIL1dgu1ibM/VEAZgUp8-gI/AAAAAAAAAO4/eCpfLgZ4ZdE/s500/Photo%25252020141016201411.jpg" id="blogsy-1413486981857.343" class="aligncenter" width="415" height="302" alt=""></a></div> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">A new attraction will be The PicKnit, brought to Dublin by the UK Hand Knitting Association.</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Under the theme of ‘Knit One, Hook One and Pass it On’</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">, visitors to The Picknit can learn,create and share their knitting and crochet skills with other visitors. There will be free one-to-one knitting and crochet tuition for beginners, and a chance for the more adventurous toexperiment with some exciting new designs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Helen Marriott, The Knitting & Stitching Show, said</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">: "For decades, knitting has been a</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">sociable pastime with knitters happily chatting over coffee and yarn. PicKnits takes that ideato the next level, combining a love of food with a love of knitting, stitching and craft.</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Knitting PicKnits don’t have to be big formal occasions </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">though - all you need are needles,some snacks, a few friends and some space. Importantly, Knitting PicKnits, like the onecoming up in the RDS, help keep the traditional skills of knitting and stitching alive.</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">"</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Thanks to celebrity knitters such as Cara Delevingne, Ryan Gosling, Kate Moss and Lily Allen,organisers have noticed a huge increase in interest in knitting and sewing. </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">"Knitting and</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">sewing have both been around for centuries, but celebrity knitters and sewers are helping to bring the hobby and craft to a whole new audience.</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">" added </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Helen Marriott.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Visitors to the show, which is Ireland’s largest textile and craft event, can also </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">look forwardto:</span></p> <ul style="list-style-type: none"> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">A</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">rtists at work in the ‘Artists in Action Studio’</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Symbol;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri;">Learning a new skill at one of the 100s of </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri;">‘Learning Curve’ workshops </span></p>
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<div class="page" title="Page 2"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <ul style="list-style-type: none"> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Professionally-curated galleries including one featuring the 1913 Lockout Tapestry,designed by Cathy Henderson and artist Robert Ballagh</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">An exhibition marking the 100</span><span style="font-size: 8.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'; vertical-align: 6.000000pt">th </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">anniversary of the outbreak of World War One</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">An inaugural display by the students from the Cork Crawford College of Art and</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Design.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">An exhibition of new textile artwork exploring relationships betweencommemoration and memory by Nigel Cheney of NCAD</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">A Design & Crafts Council of Ireland exhibition, called </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">‘</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Entwined Memories</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">’</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">‘Explorations’ by the Irish Patchwork </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Society.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Symbol'"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">116 hours of workshops ranging </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">from Beginners’ Crochet to </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Embellishing Bed Linento Sewing a Vintage Clutch Bag.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Visitors will also be able to b</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">rowse and buy specialist supplies and ‘hard</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">-to-</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">find’craft</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">materials from more than 200 retailers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Tickets for the four day show at the RDS Simonscourt in Dublin are now on sale through</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'; color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 100.000000%)">www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/Dublin</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">. Advance tickets cost </span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">€14 for adults</span><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">, withconcession prices available on-line.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12.000000pt; font-family: 'Calibri'">Twitter: @KnitStitchRDS #KnitnStitch</span></p>
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<p>Good Luck!</p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-82456917278358026532014-10-13T23:18:00.001+01:002014-10-13T23:18:37.356+01:00Fabric Search for Elsa's Coronation Dress<p> If it's Elsa, it must be Frozen! We were late to the Frozen party in this house, and finally bought the film during the summer holidays. It was watched on the few wet afternoons we had this summer, my 7yo daughter & 9yo son loved it, but the rest of us could be found openly watching & enjoying it too!</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/128554961@N07/15492174366" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15492174366_6511dccedb_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1413238716438.981" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="303" height="369"></a></div><p>The most popular costume from the film is Elsa's shimmery blue Ice Queen/Snow Queen dress, but my daughter has her heart set on the coronation dress. There are excellent and detailed pictures on <a href="http://arendellekingdom.tumblr.com/post/83870831287/elsas-coronation-outfit-cosplay-guide-detail">this blog -Arendellekingdom </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-99jUKjGvuVI/VDxPiOepeyI/AAAAAAAAAOA/5m9Wt-F4DOs/s1024/Photo%25252020141013231711.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-99jUKjGvuVI/VDxPiOepeyI/AAAAAAAAAOA/5m9Wt-F4DOs/s500/Photo%25252020141013231711.jpg" id="blogsy-1413238716393.3445" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/47212943@N06/15284471195" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/15284471195_11aa94e002.jpg" id="blogsy-1413238716470.5613" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="409" height="273"></a></div><p> </p><p>Some research on the film and that dress has thrown up some interesting links. One of the most fascinating is from an illustrator on the film, <a href="http://britsketch.blogspot.ie/2014/02/frozen-elsa.html">Brittney Lee, who blogged about her design process</a>. She also provided information on the interesting ’rosemaling' designs in the dress fabrics and throughout the film.</p><p>There is also an excellent interview with the <a href="http://tyrannyofstyle.com/costume-design-animation-disney-frozen">costume designer, Jean Gillmore, from Frozen on the Tyranny of Style blog</a>.</p><p>It was very interesting to discover that many of the illustrations of the costumes are based on the properties of fabrics from which the dresses in Scandanavian countries would have be sewn. For example the weight of a fabric would affect its drape and movement. This is reflected in the animation in the film.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>With all this inside knowledge, I searched for fabric online which would be suitable for a child's costume, and accurately reflect the costumes in the film.</p><p>The Coronation dress in the film seemed like a wool fabric, but that would be the most impractical fabric for a child's costume. Then I considered velvet, which would drape and move in a similar manner to wool.<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many velvet dress fabrics available online are <a href="http://www.threadsofgreenfabrics.com/shop/index.php?cPath=71_33_70">polyester and stretch velvets or velours</a>, which would probably be most suitable. but I was looking for a fabric with more weight, so was drawn to using <a href="http://www.threadsofgreenfabrics.com/shop/index.php?cPath=71_33_69">cotton velvet, which is expensive to buy in Ireland.</a></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>It took me ages to find the kind of fabric I wanted, either it was too stretchy, too expensive, wrong colour.....</p><p>After a very thorough search, I eventually found the specific colours for the coronation dress in a cotton mix velvet fabric from <a href="http://www.fjoelner.com/fabrics.asp">Fjøelner in Denmark</a>. It turned out to be the perfect weight and was delivered extremely quickly.</p><p> </p><p> This is where I'm at....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_QBQuCshiA/VDxPohrhPOI/AAAAAAAAAOI/RilFwFY28GY/s960/Photo%25252020141013231711.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_QBQuCshiA/VDxPohrhPOI/AAAAAAAAAOI/RilFwFY28GY/s500/Photo%25252020141013231711.jpg" id="blogsy-1413238716446.2793" class="alignnone" width="322" height="430" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dicw8KEWk2U/VDxPucQXGxI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/irAdC_MgIcY/s821/Photo%25252020141013231711.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dicw8KEWk2U/VDxPucQXGxI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/irAdC_MgIcY/s500/Photo%25252020141013231711.jpg" id="blogsy-1413238716396.7222" class="aligncenter" width="255" height="373" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/uAvXGwkJWe/" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10723889_1495392250731661_2013363288_n.jpg" id="blogsy-1413238716473.2715" class="alignright" alt="" width="307" height="307"></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I already had black velvet and a suitable pattern Butterick 5980 (ViewD with longer skirt and long sleeves), so the dress and the Cape have been sewn up. Now I just need to figure out how to add the floral/scrolling designs to the velvet on the dress!</span></p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-29840863008535641502014-09-01T22:42:00.001+01:002014-09-01T22:42:43.803+01:00Basic Black - A Japanese Pattern Book Review
<p><a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/basic-black-paperback-with-flaps">Basic Black</a> is a book of sewing patterns by a Japanese designer Sato Watanabe. This is one of the more interesting and exciting <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Book">Japanese Pattern Books that I have used</a>, particularly because it includes patterns for garments that are designed with shape, rather than the usual loose fitting Japanese styles. </p>
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<p>Unlike <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/stylish-skirts-paperback-with-flaps">Sato Watanabe's Stylish Skirts</a> book that I also <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2014/06/stylish-skirts-pattern-book-review-make.html">reviewed</a>, there is a lot less drafting, measurment and creation of pattern pieces in this book. Pattern sheets, which are printed on both sides, are included with the book. </p>
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<p>What is most surprising about this book, is that the original publication date of the Japanese edition was 2005, but you would never guess that based on the designs in this English translation from <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-needlework">Tuttle Publishing</a>.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">There are 26 patterns in the book - 7 shirts/blouses, 10 dresses, 8 coats/jackets/vests and 1 skirt in both loose and fitted styles. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is some minor pattern drafting needed, in approx half of the patterns. This involves adding length, facings, marking pleats, simple skirts & rectangular shapes.</span>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"> The sizing is unlike most Japanese pattern books, in that the finished measurments of garments are shown. This means that when taking measurments to pick which size to sew, you need to consider how much ease you like and add this to your measurments before comparing them with the chart. This makes choosing a size awkward, but accurate. Taking this into account the largest size in the book is about the same as US size 16-18, but because the patterns are multisized, they could easily be graded up a size or two. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Garments are grouped into 3 different types of fit - those with shaping, fitted & loose, and there is even a fitted jacket.</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most of the patterns are at an advanced beginner level, with only 3 that I could identify as beginner.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wanting to write a fair review the book, I sewed pattern 'w'. This is a pattern for a long sleeved knit top with an asymmetrical neckline finished with bias and an asymmetrical hem finished with ribbon trim. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the introduction, Sato Watanabe writes about loving black clothes since she was a child. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.3em;">But I didn't quite keep to the colour ethos of the book .....</span>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: justify; clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: start; line-height: 1.3em;">...... it's more of an 'Orange is the New Black' look! The orange jersey was bought recently from <a href="http://volksfaden.de/en/340-Jersey">Volksfaden.de</a> and the ribbons are from <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2F">janemeans.com</a> </span></div>
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<p>The pattern indicated that the neckline should be finished with bias, but I chose to match the neckline with the same <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=b8b0cfb555&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fburnt-orange-brown-stripe-grosgrain-ribbon-15mm-p-854.html%3FosCsid%3Dbe66531b9640444bec1a8ea2ec5a833e">brown striped ribbon</a> that I used on the front and back hems. As jersey tends not to fray, I sewed the ribbon directly onto the outside of the fabric with a long stitch.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The sleeves were cut in three pieces and slightly narrower than indicated because I had only 1metre of fabric. I added flat piping between the sleeve seams and sewed the sleeve hem with <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=7bac27879e&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fsage-green-stitched-ribbon-15mm-p-193.html">sage green stitched grosgrain ribbon</a> also from Jane Means. The technique I used for sewing the sleeve hem is one I used before and described in detail <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2014/05/how-to-sew-ribbon-hem.html">here</a>
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<p> There are quite a large variety of sewing techniques illustrated in the clear diagrammatic form that Japanese Pattern books are renowned for. These techniques include facings and bindings as well as collars and plackets among others. Each part of the technique is drawn in detail and diagrams are numbered to make them easier to follow.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fit is exactly as it looks in the book picture, except that my sleeves are narrower. I also added about 5 cm of length to the front and back as the top seemed shorter than I preferred. Because only finished garment measurements are given in the book, I measured my pattern pieces against a RTW top to make sure I picked the correct size.</div>
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<p>This book is beautifully presented and has an excellent selection of diverse patterns for coats, dresses, skirts and tops in loose, semi-structured and fitted styles. It took me ages to decide on a pattern to sew because there are more that I want to make, including a zip-up jacket, two dresses and a shirt. </p>
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<p><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font size="3">(Tuttle Publishing sent me this pattern book free. All opinions are my own. I have been happily sewing from Japanese language pattern books since <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_self" title=""></a><a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Japanese+Pattern+Books">2009</a>)</font></em></p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-16815540583818199902014-07-30T12:16:00.001+01:002014-07-30T12:16:57.689+01:00Fun Sewing for A Toy Wedding<p> Not having much time for big sewing projects over the school holidays, there are still ways and means of getting some sewing in....</p><p> </p><p>When my 3 year old niece wanted two of her toys to have a wedding & I got a request for simple wedding outfits, I needed no further excuse to get back to my machine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wSRR8N7iIbQ/U9jTS-oCw0I/AAAAAAAAALk/9yyf4VH2HcE/s1024/Photo%25252020140730121234.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wSRR8N7iIbQ/U9jTS-oCw0I/AAAAAAAAALk/9yyf4VH2HcE/s500/Photo%25252020140730121234.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014880.3953" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="436"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">This <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6005-products-10592.php?page_id=909">McCalls pattern 6005</a> was bought quite a while ago and it was a complete surprise when I realised that I had already cut out and organised all the tiny pattern pieces. The patterns don't quite shout 'wedding', however the pyjamas top was easily transformed into a wrap-around wedding dress by adding length and layers to the skirt part. The patterns for the leopard print coat and trousers were used for the grooms suit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7DFJCD6o5I/U9jTaXel3zI/AAAAAAAAALs/5q2HDLe8_Sw/s1024/Photo%25252020140730121234.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f7DFJCD6o5I/U9jTaXel3zI/AAAAAAAAALs/5q2HDLe8_Sw/s500/Photo%25252020140730121234.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014919.586" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The veil, bow tie and shirt collar piece were my own creations! The fabric and trims were scraps and small leftover pieces, chosen on the premise that anything lacy and sparkly would appeal to my niece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b79aQeQhZ3Y/U9jTgjtML9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/U2r1av4X6ME/s622/Photo%25252020140730121235.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b79aQeQhZ3Y/U9jTgjtML9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/U2r1av4X6ME/s500/Photo%25252020140730121235.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014918.2083" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="380"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The 'wedding' had all the trappings of a true Irish wedding, though on a smaller scale in my brother-in-law's house with a meal, dancing, a disco and finishing with the national anthem! Of course, everyone was also talking about the clothes...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dQC5gcgbNjw/U9jTqapUyKI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Q-agVlwoZ6w/s1024/Photo%25252020140730121235.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dQC5gcgbNjw/U9jTqapUyKI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Q-agVlwoZ6w/s500/Photo%25252020140730121235.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014924.3884" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="535"></a></div><p> As an extra surprise for my niece, I sewed tiny (teaspoon-sized!) aprons as 'housewarming' gifts for the 'newly weds', inspired by <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2013/09/sewing-aprons-with-ribbon-straps.html">the aprons I sewed in this post</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nu0kS1ZI-y8/U9jTzTQMqrI/AAAAAAAAAME/_lC-V4twOoE/s1024/Photo%25252020140730121235.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nu0kS1ZI-y8/U9jTzTQMqrI/AAAAAAAAAME/_lC-V4twOoE/s500/Photo%25252020140730121235.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014936.1504" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="610"></a></div><p> The grooms apron is <a href="http://www.justlaminates.com/2012/03/parson-gray-david-butlers-new-laminates.html">Parsons Gray laminated cotton</a> with <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=b57b671768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fnarrow-sage-stitched-ribbon-p-11949.html">janemeans beige narrow stitched ribbon</a> as ties and a headband.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x_y8y0XG-tY/U9jT9QYC7CI/AAAAAAAAAMM/OPs3uhmlAp0/s1024/Photo%25252020140730121236.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x_y8y0XG-tY/U9jT9QYC7CI/AAAAAAAAAMM/OPs3uhmlAp0/s500/Photo%25252020140730121236.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014911.6057" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="527"></a></div><p> The brides apron is an Amy Butler laminated cotton, bought from <a href="http://pippablue.typepad.com/my-blog/2010/10/amy-butler-laminated-fabrics.html">this Irish shop (Pippablue)</a>. It has a Liberty print fabric pocket, <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=eca5dacce8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fnarrow-slate-stitched-ribbon-p-11941.html">janemeans narrow slate stitched ribbon</a> ties, as well as a matching headscarf. The elastic was added to the ribbon at the neckline with a simple zig-zag stitch, to ensure the apron would fit over the head.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mqkVB4thLE4/U9jUJSQTshI/AAAAAAAAAMU/KjxSBj5m3_s/s1024/Photo%25252020140730121236.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mqkVB4thLE4/U9jUJSQTshI/AAAAAAAAAMU/KjxSBj5m3_s/s500/Photo%25252020140730121236.jpg" id="blogsy-1406719014867.403" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="498" alt=""></a></div><p> These little aprons were kindly modelled by Mickey and Minnie, before being delivered to a very appreciative niece.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4157105103735731947.post-1789124787645255902014-06-27T20:39:00.001+01:002014-06-27T22:59:14.368+01:00Stylish Skirts - A Pattern Book Review & Make
<p> One of the more interesting and unusual Japanese Pattern books, which I have seen, is written by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%B8%A1%E9%83%A8-%E3%82%B5%E3%83%88/e/B004LUHF44/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Sato Watanabe</a> a popular Japanese designer & author. This pattern book - <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/authors/watanabe-sato/stylish-skirts-paperback-with-flaps">Stylish Skirts, published by Tuttle Publishing</a>, is an English version of the similar <a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/430928051X/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP">Japanese pattern book. </a></p>
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<p>Most Japanese Pattern books have the patterns included, and others have a range of sizes which you use to draw pattern pieces based on your measurements. Unlike the other books from <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/search?q=Tuttle">Tuttle Publishing that I have</a> reviewed, <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/authors/watanabe-sato/stylish-skirts-paperback-with-flaps">Stylish Skirts</a>, goes even further and intends that you use your own measurements to draw pattern pieces. That makes this book both a challenge and fitting dream all at once!<br></p>
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<p>The challenge is that the book requires the patterns to be drafted. Some of the patterns require you to divide your waist and/or hip measurment by anything from 2 to 10, depending on the style of the skirt. </p>
<p>I decided the best way to review the book would be to sew up one of the skirts. I chose Skirt D which is a faux-wrap skirt and used a linen-cotton mix fabric.</p>
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<p>Pattern instructions for each skirt are provided in the form of detailed illustrations with numbered sewing steps, a list of materials and cutting layouts with suggested seam allowances. Measurements are given in both inches and centimetres. For skirt D I had to use my waist measurement divided in 2 (for the main 2 pattern pieces - front and back). I decided to use my high hip measurement as that is where I prefer a skirt to sit. The front panel seemed to be missing a measurement, but I worked this out from the length of the fabric on the cutting layout.</p>
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<p>The big surprise for me (a bit of a 'd'oh' moment!!) was how beautifully the skirt fit. (Yes, I realise I used my own measurements to draft it!)</p>
<p> I had a few minutes of mild panic when I held up my newly drafted pattern pieces to me and they looked too small, but I trusted my measurements and kept going. </p>
<p>Though the book mentions adding extra for a looser fit in "Tips for Making Better Skirts" p33, this could easily be missed, so it is important not to forget to add <strong><em>wearing ease</em></strong> when drafting a pattern from the book. Adding 3-4 cm as mentioned in the book, or measure a skirt you already own, will help you decide on the amount of ease.</p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.3em;">The sewing instructions are listed in bullet points, which is similar to all books like this one. Many of these individual points are clearly illustrated (sometimes on other pattern pages) and so were straightforward to follow. </span> I made some minor changes to the pattern. As I had a matching lace zip I used that instead of the invisible zip suggested.</p>
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<p> The pattern lists a leather cord for the tie but I picked a matching <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=76629861d8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fblue-cream-stripe-grosgrain-ribbon-p-456.html">striped ribbon from Jane Means</a>, which worked just as well, and was probably easier to sew.</p>
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<p> Simple seam finishes are illustrated in the diagrams for each pattern. The cotton/linen mix fabric, that I used, frayed easily, but I covered the inside seams with <a href="http://janemeans.bmobilized.com/?task=get&ihash=793726fd43&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.janemeans.com%2Fduck-blue-gingham-ribbon-15mm-p-179.html">gingham ribbon, also from Jane Means </a>to neaten the inside and strengthen the seam and fabric.</p>
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<p>Altogether there are 23 skirts, of a wide variety of styles which are constructed from different recommended types of fabrics. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The patterns range from easy gathered skirts to skirts constructed from trapezoid shapes and rectangles. I identified </span>about 7 easy skirt patterns, 8 medium and 8 difficult patterns after reading through the pattern and sewing instructions.</p>
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<p>Like all Japanese Pattern books the garments are beautifully photographed and I really <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">wanted patterns for all the beautiful tops shown with the skirts!</span> The descriptions of each skirt reads like something from a literary couturier. How could you resist this skirt for example? ........ "This unashamedly feminine lace skirt is lined with sheeting to give it body. It's flattering line is neat around the hips, with gores beginning below the hips and flaring out to a full hemline." p8</p>
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<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This book is not for a new sewist or beginner at sewing. Even the 7 easy skirts in the book use some symbols which would be more familiar with a little sewing experience. An advanced beginner with an interest in pattern drafting and who likes to visualise sewing techniques would enjoy this book. There are diagrams for some excellent techniques, including seam finishing, a welt pocket which is attached like a patch pocket, bellows/cargo pockets, zippers, elastic shirring, sewing buttons, sewing hooks & eyes and more.</span></p>
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<p>I'm delighted that <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/origami-crafts/sewing-needlework">Tuttle Books</a> are continuing to add to their selection of English translations of Japanese Pattern Books. They are also about to release (July 8th 2014) another (must have) pattern book Basic Black by <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/authors/watanabe-sato/basic-black-paperback-with-flaps">Sato Watanabe.</a></p>
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<p> <em>(Tuttle Publishing sent me this pattern book free. All opinions are my own. I have been happily sewing from Japanese language pattern books since <a href="http://sewnbyangela.blogspot.ie/2009/04/sewing-japanese-i-bought-japanese.html">2009</a>)</em></p>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552043494622549059noreply@blogger.com2