Sewn: Tan Silk Top

Meet my new wardrobe favourite.

This top is based off Simplicity 5092 which is courtesy of the Op-Shop. I used the pattern for a shirt previously and it's proving to be a versatile pattern. 

I shortened the sleeves considerably to make it suitable for Spring/Summer, I also did a slash and spread on the back to add some fullness and swing so it's a nice fluid shape. In the process of doing this, I decided to make it a hi-lo hem shape which I quite like. 

The pattern has forward shoulder seams with gathering. Once I did this and tried it on, I decided the gathering was a little too formal looking so my "design feature" came along in the form of epaulettes.

The fabric is some kind of silk mix that I cant recall, it has a small amount of stretch to it but I've treated it as a woven. It has a lovely fluid drape to it so has lots of movement when it's on.  Another great buy from the Fabric Store in Brisbane.

Because the hem has both convex and concave curves to it, I had to be careful with hemming. I used this tutorial from Grainline for the hem and went super slow and it turned out a treat. 

I used the same technique on the neckline so I didn't have to worry about any fiddly bias facing. 

Welcome to my wardrobe, I'm sure we'll have a great time together!

Leatherwork

I love working with leather. As unforgiving as it can be, I adore watching a transformation from a flat piece to something gorgeous with character and texture. Here is a collection of images from my Pinterest page

1. Commes des Garcons

2. Keecie Mini Me

3. Wooten I-Phone Pouch (via I Am The Lab)

4. Lorayn Leather Card Holder

5. Unknown (via Silver Blonde tumblr)

In Progress - Leather Panel Top

Here's a little sneaky peak of a top I'm working on.

The material is devine, it was purchased from the Fabric Store in Brisbane last year. I wish I could remember the mix of it, it does have a silk content to it which gives it lovely drape. 

I am trying to sneak in at least 10 minutes of sewing every day, this goes a long way to keeping me sane during a hectic working week. Do you have a plan for your sewing time?

Inspiration for Spring/Summer

Have you seen any of the new season pieces from Country Road? They are one of my favourite go-to brands, something of theirs always catches my eye either through a gorgeous print or a modern take on a classic silhouette. Another one of my favourite shops is Seed Heritage, their design aesthetic seems to be evolving into something a little sporty but classic all at the same time.

I am using them as some inspiration to kick off my Spring/Summer sewing and I think Brisbane is going to have a long hot summer so there is no better time to start planning.

1.  Country Road Kimono Sleeve Tee

2. Country Road Silk Splice Shirt

3. Top Shop Casual Drape Top

4. Seed Heritage Minimal Pleat Soft Pant

5. Top Shop Drape Sleeveless Top

 

The tops from Country Road are fairly similar.It should be a fairly easy style to execute, I am thinking of a basic loose fitting tee pattern with wider sleeves.

The drape tops have me a bit stumped. I have the Drape Drape books (available at Tessuti)which I am going to use as a basis for drafting my own pattern. 

The pants are a challenge, I have sewn the one pair and they need some more fit adjusting before they become something that I could work off. There just might be something in the op-shop pattern stash, knew they would come in handy one day.

I'd love to see what you have planned for the upcoming season!

A Good Read - Sewing & Body Confidence

I read an awesome article today on Brisbane Times website, it is all about how sewing your own clothes can improve your body confidence (go read it here).

I think this is the first time I've seen an article about sewing on a newspaper website! It is an interesting read, and great to hear some opinions from some fellow sewing bloggers.

 

I for one am pretty happy with my body shape, we've been together for a while now and it serves me well. Sure I do have my moments of "oh my god how did that end up there" but when you sew for yourself you do learn to know these things and embrace them because you sure cant change them.

 

Sewing has also made me appreciate what exactly goes into making garments. I can identify cheap fabric, poor construction or a bad silhouette now so I am alot more picky about what I buy or what I make. I now analyse every little thing about a garment if I am buying something, I have developed a set of guidelines for myself about the standards I expect. It can be so deflating so spend your hard earned cash on some beautiful fabric, then use it on an untried tricky pattern only to have turn out to be ill-fitting, not the right color or just not the right style.

I love the quote in the article from "Get My Stitch On" "The more I sew, the more I realise that size is just a line to cut out on a pattern. Without fit and flattery, size is meaningly." We sewing folk sure do share a wonderful tool in being able to create something that is personalised just the way you want it, no matter what shape or size you are.