Me Made May roundup in July!

Better late than never...

This was my 6th year doing Me Made May. This year I was working with a smaller selection of me mades as I have lost weight and not replaced all the clothes that no longer fit. I still managed only a few repeats and re discovered a few neglected items in the wardrobe.

Here is a brief round up of the me made I wore every day:

Day 1: Halifax Hoodie by Hey June Handmade
Day 2: Renfrew top by Sewaholic
Day 3: Renfrew top and Cleo pinafore by Tilly and the Buttons
Day 4: Darling Ranges Dress by Megan Nielsen
Day 5: Lady Skater by Kitschy Coo
Day 6: Shannon Tunic
Day 7: Stella Hoodie by Tilly and the Buttons
Day 8: Renfrew top and McCalls Cardigan
Day 9: Stella Hoodie by Tilly and the Buttons
Day 10: Love Sewing Mag Jersey trousers
Day 11: Lady Skater by Kitschy Coo
Day 12: Jocole pull on trousers
Day 13: Peppermint Magazine wide leg trousers
Day 14: Melrose dress by Itch to Stitch
Day 15: Kimono top by Maria in Denmark
Day 16: Self Drafted half circle skirt
Day 17: Sallie Jumpsuit by Closet Case patterns
Day 18: Darling Ranges Dress by Megan Nielsen
Day 19: Hemlock tee by Grainline Studios
Day 20: Mia Blouse
Day 21: Frankie Top by Tilly and the Buttons
Day 22: Jasika Blazer by Closet Case patterns
Day 23: Peppermint Magazine wide leg trousers
Day 24: Renfrew top by Sewaholic
Day 25: Sweatshirt by McCalls
Day 26: Self drafted circle skirt
Day 27: Banksia top by Megan Nielsen
Day 28: Wrap Dress by Butterick
Day 29: Renfrew top by Sewaholic
Day 30: Renfrew top by Sewaholic
Day 31: Melrose top by Itch to Stitch

Roll on next May!

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Closet Case Patterns Jasika Blazer

To say I was excited when Closet Case patterns released the Jasika blazer may be an understatement. It is the blazer pattern I have been searching for since 2016 when I bought Islay tweed to make a blazer. I used silk from my stash for the lining and bought the supplies from ebay with the exception of the interfacing which was from The Tailor Mouse, and followed along with the #blazerofglory challenge but finished before the end of it because I couldn't wait!

I have never made a pattern with so many pieces which was slightly daunting! That was an epic sticking and cutting session!

Based on my measurements I was a 14 so I made a muslin and the only pattern adjustment I made to the final version was a full bicep adjustment. I felt I needed from the muslin but in reality I don't think I needed, it just means there is more room for a thick jumper now. I used the Closet Case Patterns fitting guide to talk me through the adjustment which was so helpful.

 It was at this point I seriously started regretting buying striped fabric but the matching went surprisingly well even if it did take me three times as long as plain fabric would have!

The instructions were fantastic and I loved watching the jacket come together layer by layer and the moment I pulled it the right side out was a moment of magic!

After a good press it looked like a proper blazer and I love it. I have worn it a few times and it will get a lot of wear once the weather gets cooler, which will probably be in a few weeks knowing Scottish summers.

I will probably make a summer weight version but I think that will be a winter project and I will use it next year, I'm not ready for another big project yet.

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Diane Von Furstenberg V1549 - The Wrap Dress

My Mother in Law arrived in last month with a load of vintage patterns that she was sending to recycling if I didn't want them. Obviously, being the sewing related magpie that I am, I took them, even though she is a significantly smaller designed human than I am so all the patterns would require grading.

There were some gorgeous patterns and in them was the DVF wrap dress which is ridiculously sought after.

This jumped to the top of my sewing to make plans, I had to see what all the fuss was about!

I had just had a delivery of gorgeous organic cotton jersey from the Organic Textile Company which was perfect timing; the fabric I decided to use is 100% cotton Jersey but very stable so I thought it would be perfect for this dress which is designed for woven and jersey.

I graded and cut out the pattern but unfortunately my fabric was a bit narrow and the skirt front pieces as not quite as full as they should be. I also had no fabric left for the belt, cuffs or collar ( wasn't sure about the cuffs and collar anyway). When I tried it on it was miles too big, I am not sure why, I must have gone wrong somewhere with the grading or maybe it was the fabric choice. I ended up taking in about 1.5 inches on each side seam and about 4 inches from each sleeve, they were massive! That was the final straw and it has hung in disgrace on the door of the sewing room for weeks.

Last night it had annoyed me enough I finally finished it. The belt is made from the facings that I had in the dress (and is nothing like the belt it is supposed to have...) and I replaced the original facings with white cotton which actually works better anyway.

It has turned out fine, but honestly I have no idea what the fuss is about this pattern. It will be worn though and is very comfy I just don't see me making any more!

 Now to address the more pressing gap in the wardrobe, trousers, I have none and am fed up of jeans so if any has and recommendations that would be great!

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A Tilly and the Buttons trio

Last Friday afternoon the stars aligned, the kids were entertaining themselves, the kitten was sleeping and I had a tidy house for once so that meant there was some time for some non guilt inducing sewing!

I had been resisting the Tilly and the Buttons  Stretch book for a while but the Freya top pattern became too much of a draw and I bought it with some of my Christmas money. What a quick make and it fits exactly as I hoped. I made 2, one from liberty jersey (that was once a failed polo neck) and the other from some gorgeous organic cotton jersey that I got in a web site closing down sale a while ago.

I continued on the Tilly and the Buttons theme and decided to make the denim Cleo dress I have had in my head for almost a year and had the fabric in my stash for 8 years.... I had been putting off making it as I have been shrinking but now that has slowed down and I approach my target at snails pace I decided it was time to bite the bullet.

I had to retrace and cut the pattern in a smaller size than before - result (!) and from then it was a speedy make.

I used the rainbow overlocker thread I got for my birthday and teal top stitching thread. I may never use another thread in my overlocker again!

The only problem with the dress is the straps slip in the buckles, I need to work out how to stop that or one day I may loose the dress. I don't fancy ending up with it round my ankles!

I'm now itching to try some of the other patterns from the book. I ordered 20m of organic jersey today from organiccotton.biz as I have had no luck buying second hand jersey on ebay which is how I normally buy my fabric. My jersey items of clothing are all very well worn and some way past their best so I was getting desperate. Hopefully the joggers will be coming to life soon.

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