When one isn't enough - Another Allie Olson Highlands Wrap Dress

Do you ever have times when you make a pattern and just can't wait to make another?  That was me with the Highlands Wrap Dress by Allie Olson.  I finished my first one and by the next weekend I was working on another.

Given that I'm trying to work from my stash this year I picked out a large floral rayon I purchased from Spotlight in the boxing day sales.  It was a tight squeeze to get it out of the two metres I had.  To get it out I made the sleeveless version and used the shorter length which I'd worked out after my first version.

I was a bit worried this one would come out a bit too seventies but I think it's just 70's enough. The large floral and the style of the dress could have caused problems but I think it really works.

Anyway, there really isn't much more I can say that isn't in my previous post, all I know is that this won't be my last, I'm planning a maxi version for formal night on a cruise I'm going on in a few months.

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Pattern - Highlands Wrap Dress by Allie Olson
Fabric - Floral Rayon from Spotlight

A Little Highland Fling - Allie Olson Highlands Wrap Dress

I've been a fan of Allie Olson from Indie Sew's patterns for ages, but her Highlands Wrap Dress is the first one I've actually gotten around to making.  I'm pleased to report it lived up to all the positive reviews I'd read.

I used a Cotton & Steel/Rifle Paper Co Rayon I picked up from fabric.com during my last order.  They'd stuffed up the pricing and had it priced at $5/yard so needless to say it had to be included in my order even though it's not normally my colour.  I'm very pleased I didn't leave it behind.

There have been many positive reviews for this pattern and with good reason.  There are a number of little details which take the pattern to the next level.  These include button tabs which secure the dress so the ties are purely for looks.

Speaking of the ties, they have one of my favourite details.  On every other wrap dress I've owned or made you always end up with super uneven ties as one wraps around more than the other, but not with this pattern!  There are different pattern pieces for the short and long ties so they line up with they're tied.

The original pattern has midi and maxi length, I started with the midi but they really don't suit me. I ended up cutting six inches off the pattern length to make it knee length which I think suits me much better.  Nothing wrong with the pattern at all, just personal preference.

Another of my favourite details is the mitred corners on the hem, they were much better when the hem was the original length but they are just another one of those details which make this pattern next level amazing.

I also love the elastic in the waistband at the back, it just means you're ensured of that snug fit and no gaping at the back which I really appreciate.

I'm already planning my next one, a sleeveless version as thats all I have enough fabric for.  Shortening the length by as much as I am makes a difference to the fabric requirements, I'm hoping to get that one finished by tomorrow to wear out for drinks, it's a long weekend so I think I'm in with a chance.

Also random fact about me, I use to do Highland Dancing as a kid.  During my first competition I came first in the Fling and then came third for the title with the Fling and the Swords.

Pattern - Highlands Wrap Dress by Allie Olson
Fabric - Cotton & Steel Rayon from Fabric.com

Peplum Days - Sew Over It Ella Blouse

If you're anything like me you've got a bit of a pattern and fabric stash that always seems to grows.  One of my goals for this year is to end the year with less fabric in my stash than I started it with, its a good thing it's only March as I'm about 20 metres up.

I purchased some Gertie Rayon from Spotlight about a year ago and it's been sitting in my stash waiting for the perfect project ever since.  For a while it was earmarked for a wrap skirt, until I came to the realisation that I rarely wear skirts and I'd be better using it for something I thought would actually get some wear.

Enter the Sew Over It Ella Blouse, I purchased it last year either as part of the PDF Club or during a sale, I can't quite remember.  I traced it off not long after buying it but never got around to actually cutting out what I had traced, that is until Friday night.  I should have been doing some stuy but I really, really didn't want to.

It was actually a quick sew, I cut out the pattern Saturday morning and had it finished to wear for dinner that night even though I had lunch out and went shopping as well.  There are actually only 4 pattern pieces so it does come together fairly quickly.

I decided to add a peplum onto the bottom of the pattern as I don't really wear that many high waisted things and I love the look of a peplum.  I simply measured the bottom circumference of the blouse and then used the By Hand London Circle Skirt Calculator to calculate the radius needed for a half circle skirt.  I ended up adding a nine inch half circle peplum as that was as much as I could get out of the fabric I had (I purchased about 2.2m from memory).   Given that I added the peplum I added a button hole to thread the straps in order to allow them to still be tied at the waist.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and considering I'd been wearing  it for all day when I took these photos it wrinkles less than I imagined.  I also just noticed in this photo I never ironed off my marks from where I traced the peplum, oh well, that's life!

Anyway, I'm hoping to get a bit more sewing completed over the next few weeks, I've been sewing little things for a friends daughter and really enjoying the process but I'm actually hoping to try a few new patterns when I have some fabric arrive during the week, when I can fit it around some study obviously!

Pattern - Sew Over It Ella Blouse

Size/Changes - 16 I think, maybe it was a 14, added peplum

Fabric - Gertie Rayon from Spotlight in Navy ( no longer online)

Cherry Best Skirt

As of now I only have eight days left of work util Christmas holidays.  I can. not. wait.  I've been feeling really run down leading up to the end of the year, days at work have dragged on, other things have been a source of frustration and upset when they are normally one of fun and joy.  I do honestly think that it's just this time of year, but boy these last few weeks have been tough.

Thankfully not everything is doom and gloom, I'm enjoying the gym, though I'm currently typing like a T Rex as I can't move my arms.  60 pull ups and a boxing session will do that apparently!  There have also been some other good bits, lovely guide parents, wonderful family and some pretty good friends :).

I've managed to do a little bit of sewing over the past few weeks, its the finding the time to sew and blog that seems to be the drama.  I'm planning to try and get them under control next year.  I've also given my blog a little makeover, I'm not sold on it but I'll get it there, I'm sure.

I've been watching a little too much Call the Midwife on Netflix lately and I've been a little taken by Jenny's fashion.  All very feminine and elegant with a touch of 1950's styling to it.  So of course I had to make a circle skirt.  By Hand London's Circle Skirt Calculator is my secret weapon when it comes to circle skirts.  I particularly love a half circle skirt, but this time I went the whole hog.  There is nothing like a full circle skirt to evoke that retro feeling.

I used about 2.5m of Gertie's Aqua Cherry rayon challis.  It may have actually been a little less than 2.5m but that doesn't really matter.  The rayon challis has a really lovely drape, it is the perfect fabrc for a more subtle looking circle skirt.  Using something heavier, like a poplin, would have given the skirt more structure and body compared to this one.  Thankfully sometimes subtle wins.

I lined the skirt with a lightweight cotton voile, in red because that was pretty much all my local Spotlight had that worked to any extent.  I think the red worked with the cherries wonderfully, plus I love the unexpected touch it gives.  I pulled out my overlocker and finished the hems with a rolled hem.  I've tried rolled hems previously using my sewing machine and they've never been prefect, thankfully the overlocker produces a much nicer result, much faster and with much less work.

I do seriously believe the best part of the circle skirt  is the twirl-ability they have.  Such fun!

I'm also incredibly grateful to some lovely friends who took these photos for me.  It's rather nice to upload something other than mirror selfies for once!

These photos were taken at the historic Glengallan Homestead last weekend during their seasonal market.  It's located on the New England Highway between Allora and Warwick in Queensland.  I have a very special place in my heart for Glengallan, the building I'm standing in front of in the photo above is the store.  It was built by my Great Great Grandfather in 1864.  He was a stone mason in Brisbane before being declared bankrupt and moving tothe Darling Downs, more specifically Glengallan.  You can see a little bit of the house and its verandas behind the store.  The story of Glengallan is really an interesting one, it was a thriving community in its prime, the centerpiece of the whole community with a store and a school.  Sadly the house changed owners a number of times and remained empty from the 1930s until the trust purchased the house in 1993.  During this time the house was allowed to enter a state of ruin - most, if not all, the furniture was sold off, squatters used the house, vandals carved their names into the hundred year old plaster.  Thankfully due to the hard work of a number of volunteers Glengallan now somewhat resembles what it did during it's boom.  

It really is worth the trip.  I haven't been to Glengallan in about 7 or 8 years and really enjoyed the trip last weekend.  So much has changed, there are more displays and more information available, its a wonderful trip back in time.  I certainly won't be waiting another eight years to go back!

Anyway, that's enough for tonight.  I'm going to my sisters post graduation, pre christmas cocktail party next Friday and I'm contemplating making a dress to wear.  Maybe I'm crazy, but it could be lots of fun!

Emma :)

Sunday Stash #3 - I heart Rayon

A bit of a catch up today, about the fabric I used in yesterdays Gallery Tunic.

I went looking for the prefect fabric to make and knew that I wanted to use Rayon. I know I've probably said this before but Rayon is one of my favourite fabrics ever.  It's light yet heavy enough it doesn't need lining.  It feels amazing and has a lovely luster.  The only down side is it does crease really easily, but I'm willing to put up with that for such an amazing fabric.

I found this heart one from Spotlight and knew it was the prefect fabric.  It would be light and breezy and the small pattern of the hearts would add just the right amount of detail.

I think it looks pretty good!

'cause it's Sunday I'm linking up with Molli Sparkles for Stash Sunday this week!

Liesl & Co Gallery Tunic

I fell in love with the Gallery Tunic by Liesl and Co when looking for a loose blouse pattern.  It was exactly what I was looking for!

I used a white rayon with black hearts from Spotlight (to be featured in tomorrows Sunday Stash).  I do think rayon is the prefect fabric for a number of projects.  It is light enough while being heavy enough not to need lining, it is soft enough without being a nightmare to sew, not to mention it also has a lovely sheen and a slight stretch.

I cut a size 10 of the pattern which was a 1/2 inch bigger than my bust size and it fit well.  I do have an ever so slight issue with the sleeves being ever so slightly tight for my tuckshop lady arms, but I'll just sew them with a smaller seam allowance next time and that will solve the problem.



I also managed to trace part of the pattern incorrectly so I ended up the the pleat in the placket at the front being on the opposite side.  I did decide it wasn't worth messing around and re cutting pattern pieces though.

I had never sewn a collar before and I was pleasantly surprised with how simple and straightforward the process was.  I'll try another one again soon.



Now, I know I bought a tunic pattern, but I wasn't quite imagining it to be so long!  Tunics aren't really my thing, but the extra length does make it really easy to tuck in with the added bonus that you don't need to worry about it coming out when you move!

I hemmed the bottom edge of the tunic in my all time favourite bias binding, though it was now a little redundant when I was wearing it tucked in.  It still adds a little interest if I do ever want to wear it out.  You can nearly see it in the photo above.



 I whipped it up in an afternoon (I got home at 3 and was at dinner by 6.45 with plenty of time to lose my interfacing and get ready) to wear out to a dinner last night.  Thankfully the pattern was relatively simple, I  would agree that the 2/4 difficulty rating was just right.



Overall I really like this pattern and I plan on making more, I might even try the dress next time.


Also linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it Up Friday!

Baby Legging and Circle Skirt

I had the pleasure of attending a first birthday party on the weekend.  It was actually for the little girl who I gave this quilt to at her baby shower.  Its hard to believe she's one already!

I love sewing little girl things!  They are so fun and you can normally go a little over the top and use fun colours and fabrics that I can't really wear (Case and point Ice Cream Playsuit - also given to the recipient on the weekend!).

I made a super simple pair of leggings, using this amazing free pattern from Toddah.net.  I didn't really follow the tutorial, I'm a little fussy about the hems on pants I make and prefer to do them the traditional way.

 

 

I used a scrap of knit fabric that I had left over from a dress I made.  Reason #1575 I love making baby clothes is the ability to use scrap fabrics!

 

 

I also made a little full circle skirt out of some hot pink rayon.  I used a frilly elastic to add some interest and a fancy stitch on the hem to create a scalloped effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think they look adorable together and should be prefect coming into winter. 

 



I was worried they would be too small but I was pleased when I was assured they would!

12 metres of fabric for less than $31.94!

I walked into my local Spotlight and spotted this sign.

 

 

That was it so I didn't even bother looking at the fabrics on bolts!  Instead after some rummaging I found the awesome scored below!

 

 



 

 

1m of the peach and .4m of the navy, both Scuba Knit which I used to make my Weetwood skirt!

 

 

 

.5m of hot pink Rayon.  I'm thinking a little skirt for a 1st birthday out of it.

 

 

 

1.1m of this knit.  Either to practice with or a pj shirt or shorts.

 

 

 

I scored 4m of this sateen which was a cancelled layby.  I don't have any plans yet, but sateen? Yes please!

 

 

 

.75m of white ribbing.  I wasn't going to leave it when it is normally $12 + a metre!

 

 

 

 

2m of this, I think its a crepe, but I could be wrong.

 

 

 

1.1 of this rayon.  It might have been my favourite fabric in the end.  I love the pattern!  I'm very glad I took the chance on it because I couldn't see the amazing pattern when it was all folded up!

 

 

I also got 1m of white lycra, because who is going to turn down lycra for more than $20 off the RRP.  (I thought I had a photo but I obviously don't,  so just imagine something white and lycra-y here!)

 

 

 

I also grabbed some zippers and a spool of thread (the thread was also reduced!).  That gave me the grand total of $31.94!  I think I got a bargin!

 

 

 

 

What was your favourite fabric bargin?

 

Emma

Some recent Fabric Scores

I like fabric shopping.  That's no lie.  I have enough quilting fabric to sink a battle ship but dressmaking fabric not so much.  In fact up until about 12 months ago I had no interest in sewing clothes.  They scared me.  They had curves and zips and scary terms like notches and you had to cut out patterns and actually use scissors to cut the fabric.  Being a quilter all those things scared me.  But somehow I got over it.  Something made me want to sew clothes.  And wearable ones at that. So that was what I did.

I started with a few simple things, a skirt or two, and then a top.  Then I found those indie pattern designers we all love Colette, April Rhodes, Sew Over It, By Hand London, and spent hours trawling through patterns finding ones I loved and wanted to make and buying the ones I could afford.  I'd also hit up Spotlights pattern sales when they were 3 for $10 and make the most of it.

Now I do profess to being a dedicated Spotlight shopper (I blame the nearly 5 years of working there.  I'm thinking of ideas for a post for my hints and tips for finding bargins at Spotlight. Let me know).  However I was down near Lincraft and thought I would go in and see what they had.  I was impressed.  Bargins garlore on their clearance table!  Some lycra type lining at $5/m and some navy ribbed knit down to $1.25.  Now I didn't take photos of these two partly because they are pretty boring, partly because they are in a box somewhere :).

The rest were a bit prettier.

There was this maroon knitted fabric with a metallic gold thread at $8/m.  I got 2m to turn into a knitwear jumper for those cooler Autumn days around the corner.  Just to decide on a pattern.  I'm leaning towards using the free Easy Tee pattern by It's Always Autumn.  It's a good pattern, pretty much my size plus its free!  Nothing to complain about there.

 

 

I also fell in love with this other fabric and plan on using the same pattern with it.  I'm just too scared to sew it because it is so open with the weave.  Any hints or tips would be appreciated.  It's really a black/brown colour and the sequins just make it in real life. 

 

 

 

 

I've also purchased this tribal like rayon from Spotlight with unknown plans at the moment, maybe a simple shift dress.

 

 

I also grabbed this pirouette dot tulle during the recent 30% off sale.  I have plans for a cocktail dress using this to make a Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) style skirt and a black satin bodice.

 

I also discovered Ohhh Lulu the other day and fell in love. Romantic, Feminine, Stylish.  I plan on making up a few of their patterns (funds permitting).

I grabbed this combination of stretch lace and cotton below for the Ohhh Lulu Grace Knickers and the lyrca (2 remanent pieces at $2/m) for the Abigail Swimsuit.  One day anyway :).

 

 

 

Anyway I hope to get some more sewing done over the weekend.  Or at least finish off some other things to show you.  Things should settle down after I actually move in after Easter and that should mean more sewing time :)

 

Until then,

 

Emma