Jennifer Lauren Handmade Aisling Blouse - Pattern Tester Review

I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for the Jennifer Lauren Handmade Aisling Blouse (ages ago!). I was provided the pattern to test and give feedback on. All opinions here are my own!

This is a brilliant pattern. I wasn't sure about the square neck line as I would never usually choose this style and puffy sleeves under cardis are not great but was very pleasantly surprised. I intended to make the version with no buttons as my test version but cut the wrong one so buttons it was!

I made it in a soft floaty viscose that I got from someones stash on ebay and the buttons were from my Granny's button tin. The 14 C cup fitted straight from the pattern with no tweaking, normally I would do a broad back adjustment but it was not needed.

During lockdown I have made another one, this version is the one I intended to make as a tester!

Again I used a soft floaty viscose, this time it was from The Fabric Guys, it sneaked into my basket when I was buying cotton for mask making (more in another post). 

I have had so many compliments about these blouses, more than anything else I have made. They will get a lot of wear when something other than casual clothes are required again!

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Colette Moneta

This is the second Colette Moneta I have made and I still love the pattern. I made the first one in 2016 as a wearable toile for a job I was doing and have been meaning to make it in better suited fabric since. The first was in a not very stretchy cotton jersey which didn't lie very well so this time I used a viscose jersey that is nice and thick but not so heavy it pulls the skirt squint. 

I made it at the start of February and it was the perfect dress to wear to my Granny's funeral, she was a flower lover! I have worn it once since and I am sure it will get lots more wear once life begins to look a bit more normal again. 

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Makeup brush sleeping bag and some embroidery.

Way back in January, seems like a lifetime ago, I decided to try my hand at embroidering over some hand lettering, it's a lot harder than it looks! 

It is a motto I firmly believe in and at the time my Granny was slowly deteriorating in her care home and I was having to spend more and more of my time there. This was a good thing to look at to remind me what really mattered. She died on the 21st February and the relief I felt for her was immense, she was 103 and really had had enough. I am glad she never lived to see the pandemic grow arms and legs, that would have been awful for her. 

Another non clothing related sewing project was my makeup brush sleeping bag! I rarely wear makeup and was fed up cleaning the dust off the brushes before I used them so this is the perfect solution. I sewed two rectangles together with a bit of ribbon sandwiched in one side , turned it right side out, folded the bottom up and sewed channels of varying width for my brushes, simple. You can roll it up and tie a bow to keep it together. Much neater than an jumbled mess of brushes at the bottom of the drawer...

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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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2018 round up

It has been almost 6 months since I posted anything here, I have been making though, just not had time to blog it all.

In the summer I made a lot,  I have lost almost 2 stone and none of my summer clothes fitted anymore, nice problem to have. I wasn't loosing weight to change how I looked but to try and get rid of the persistent heart burn I was suffering from. The heavier I got the worse it got so it was a no brainer since my Mum died of Oesophageal cancer that had no doubt started as Barrat's oesophagus which is caused by persistent heart burn. Loosing weight has worked, I have had heart burn maybe 3 times in the last 6 months which is amazing!

Anyway, on to the sewing!

I have blogged a few of these makes but not all of them.

So, starting from the top left:

Jalie Swimsuit 3350. This was fun to make and went together fairly easily. The swimsuit fits perfectly.

Love Sewing Mag shorts and trousers, from a free pattern and I made up the instructions. I used left over jersey from the jumpsuit I made for the trousers and stash jersey (originally from the Village Haberdashery years ago in the sale) for the shorts.

McCalls 7629 cropped blouse. I got the pattern during the big pattern swap and made it in some apple print cotton from my stash.

See & Sew B5166 wrap dress, love it but not had an occasion to wear it yet.

2 McCalls 6844 Cardis, boring staples in the wardrobe. The creamy one has some wool in it and is itchy, the mint one has a bit too much stretch in the fabric but is fine. Both have been worn loads.

Simplicity 1318 Kimono, worn a lot in the summer, hopefully we get the weather again in 2019!

A 1980's pattern top, see the last blog post.

The autumn was much slower on the sewing front, my Granny was in hospital (and in the last few weeks moved into a care home) so I didn't have as much care to do for her which meant I could take on more paid work. Great for the bank balance but not so good for personal sewing, spending all day altering and mending zaps the desire to sew for fun!

I did finished my husbands long awaited jacket, it took over 6 months to complete and I am not entirely happy with it, I will definitely make another jacket but I will use a better pattern the next time, this one, Kwik Sew 3485, was not great.

I also made the Clare Coat by Closetcase patterns. What a lovely pattern! I made it from wool in my stash that had been Mum's and the sleeves are my old 1993 suede trousers! The lining was small bits of silk from my stash.

Then we got a cat and the only things I have made since is a Halifax Hoodie Sweatshirt and 2 tartan skirts! Smidge the cat is gorgeous though, I would never have thought I would turn into a crazy cat lady but I appear to have....!

My sewing / buying plans for 2019 involve not buying anything new and continuing to work through my fabric stash. I did buy some new jersey a few months ago to make into some new Lady Skater / Montea / other jersey dresses and a few tops as a lot of mine are on their last legs and I don't have much useful sized jersey in my stash. Maybe I will get some sewing done this week....

See you in 2019!

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New Look 6429 - 1980's summer tops

I have had this pattern lurking in my pattern stash for years since it was given to my by my Aunt when she was clearing out.

I decided to try out a couple of the top patterns. The pattern was cut in a 16 so I went with that as it matched my measurements fairly well.

The vest top turned out massive so I took it in and lifted the sleeves and now it is wearable. I attempted a second version in the smaller size but it was a miserable failure, no idea what I did wrong but it was awful! I think I will stick with the By Hand London Polly top for any more woven vest tops I fancy!

The fake wrap top was made in the left over fabric from my kimono with cream linen for the back. It fits fine, I used the 16, took it in a wee bit but not nearly as much as the vest top!

It is much boxier that I normally wear and the excess fabric in the front that is supposed to be drapey isn't really when it is made in this cotton. It would be gorgeous in a proper drapey fabric but this has been nice and cool in the hot weather.

I'm not sure this pattern will get another outing, can't help but think that all the  effort loosing weight is lost when I wear these boxy woven tops that just hang from the bust!

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Simplicity 1318 - Kimono Jacket

My second make for the summer was Simplicity 1318. It has been in my 'to make' pile for over a year but was not needed last year as the weather here was bad and Iceland was not the country for needing summer clothes!

I made version B in cotton that my Dad brought back from Oman years ago. It went together easily, although I somehow managed to get the fronts uneven. I had to unpick / re hem one side, which was annoying and now it is a couple of inches shorter at the front that it is supposed to be. It's still wearable though and I have a kimono to try and stop my shoulders burning on holiday - they always seem to catch the sun no no matter how much cream I put on.

Really need to re press that back seam...!

This would be gorgeous in a printed silk, I am imagining liberty silk, but can't justify the cost for something that will be worn a handful of times a year (unless summers like this happen every year which I doubt!) I will have to keep searching ebay!

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Closet Case Patterns Sallie Jumpsuit

I have been in a sewing frenzy for the last month and a bit, altering and making new summer clothes. I have lost 23lb and nothing fits! The first thing I made was the Closet Case Patterns  Sallie Jumpsuit, I figured the stretchy nature of it would shrink with me more than a woven jumpsuit.

I saw a few versions of  this during Me Made May and fell in love with the simple style. I bought the pattern at the end of May and, for once, it got made immediately. The heavens aligned and I had exactly the right fabric in my stash so I whizzed this up in an afternoon and evening.

I used a viscose jersey and cut between a 12 and 14. I extended the body based on my measurements but didn't need to really so won't bother the next time. I love the fit and it feels just like wearing PJ's so that's a big win!

The weather has been so amazing that it has actually had a few outings and will have lots more when we go on holiday in a week.

I have loads of versions of this queued up in my head to make but I don't have any more suitable fabric. I may have to buy some and make a shorts version for holidays although time is running out and the weather is so good it feels wrong to be sitting indoors sewing. I am pretty sure that is a Scottish thing, to get the 'not using the good weather effectively' guilt!

Same goes for summer blog posts, I have lots more summer sewing to blog about, 2 tops, a kimono, a woven jumpsuit, a dress and a swimsuit, just need to get some half decent photos and for it to rain so there is no guilt!

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