Duster Coat

I have made my first duster coat from Simplicity 8648 Option D in white broderie anglaise. The pattern was easy to follow.  I added to the skirt back width to fit my hip size 132cm the largest size on the pattern had size 117cm. I also changed the waist size  to 22. My bodice was a 16. Due to all the changes, there were not too many gathers on my duster.

This is a quick and simple project that I managed to complete in one day.See my finished product below, side by side with the pattern.

Overdue updates

I have been very slack with documenting my maker adventures.This is a brief summary of what I made in the years 2017 & 2018

2017
Visiting my sister in Florida in 2017 revived my interest in sewing.The highlight was our visit to downtown LA, where we knocked ourselves out buying fabric & other notions. I even lugged a whole suitcase back to Melbourne.We made 2 quilt tops and I brought one back with me which I completed and made matching pillowcases for it.

I also did more knitting , a total of 10 different hats.1 was a beret, 4 cloches, 1 ponytail beanie & 3 beanies.I made a few dishcloths & a summer top in 100% cotton double knit. This was my first time working with a cotton double knit. I liked the outcome.

2018
Sewing
I made
1.queen sized quilt for a friend's daughter.
2.knit boat neck top
3.1 jumpsuit

Knitting
1. 2 knitted tops

2. 2 beanies

August Makes

I made 3 items this month. First was the shirt dress.I liked it so much  that I am  considering making the  short sleeved version.

2. I have made the top of  a quilt made from fabric samples I got from the recycle place.

3. I made a pair of pants, view B from McCalls M6515. I concentrated on the alteration at the top of the pants, so much that I did not notice that I had cut my pants too short.I ended up adding turn-ups for 2cm extra length.The alterations needed were for extra crotch depth, widening pants for hips and  grading to fit my disproportionately small waist.I was also not impressed with how frumpy the pants look. I want to redo this pattern.

My Sewing pattern collection

I have recently taken my sewing pattern inventory. I am going to list by brand name.The patterns listed in fuschia, I have made before.

McCalls - 35

MP437 - C, M7815,M4410 - B,M7382,M7775,M7513,M6329, M7622,M6996, M7607 -C,B, 3033, M6462 , M4404,M7026, M6557, M6566, M5430,M6647, M6614, M5621, M7777, M6433, M7417, M6279, M6048, M6954, M6740, M6515 -B, M6752 - D, M7368, M7605,M6507, M6285 - C ,2401 - C, M7727 - B

Simplicity - 16
5699, 1887 , 1883, 1654 , 1431 , 2338, 8124, 2369, 2261, 2262, 1663, 2967, 1425, 1589 - A, 2938, 8092, 1497

New Look - 6
6838 - A,C, 6564 - B, 6322, 6615 - B, 6463,6873

 Burda - 3
6589 - A, 6488, B4645

Butterick - 6
5030, 6352 -A, 6181, 5998, 5600, 4822,

Vogue - 1
1511

My next project will be a skirt, as I have not made one in a while . I possess 4 skirt patterns.New Look 6463, Simplicity 1887 & McCalls M7368 & 5430.

This pattern collection has accrued since 2008 when I moved to Australia.Some were patterns I bought for specific features when I hacked the patterns for various people. As I now mostly sew for myself only, I plan to de-stash, first by getting rid of the patterns that have pieces missing an also the ones I am likely not to make ever.

I will give my updates here.

2019 Sewing & Knitting Plans

Having plans that are written down helps you in tracking them.The plans I have been following were undocumented.

1. Phase out store bought wardrobe pieces by replacing them with ones I've made
2.Finish off making items using my LA stash
3.Make a picnic quilt
4. Make items in advance of the new season.
5.Knit something from Kim Hargreaves, as I like her patterns

What I have achieved so far

1. Partially completed summer knit top that needs buttons
2.1 jumpsuit
3.Floral dress
4. Kaftan with bodycon shift
5.Picnic time quilt

Coming up:


1. Complete a jumpsuit

2.Winter skirt - Yet to decide on  pattern. Currently leaning towards A line skirt with inverted pleat
3. Quilted place mates
4.Pair of pants
5. Top
6. Gradient of colour spread - Ravelry


I will show the patterns I want to make below.

I also plan to try something new , each week as I seek to advance my quilting knowledge & get better use of my sewing machines.Creating  complete outfits, i.e thinking of the accessories too.

Knitting adventures 2016

This year I decided to get back to knitting. My first mission was to look for a place to buy wool other than Spotlight and Lincraft. I took a drive to Bendigo Woolen Mills. Being at the Woollen Mills felt like a  child in a candy store. There was a wide variety of wool, in different colours and thickness.The back room was even more interesting because that is where the wool on special is kept. I bought 100% wool for the first time and was excited to work with it. I found it to be very soft and easy to work with.

My first project was a jumper  in stocking stitch with cable pockets. This was a simple project to get me back into the swing of knitting after many years. I had not knitted a jumper for 12years. The jumper was easy to make and I was pleased with the outcome.


To take a break from big project, I made finger less mittens for a coworker, my first attempt at using leftover wool..See the outcome below.

Next up was my new project , which is a waitress' vest.I started the project , the ran out of wool. I started all over again and found that I had made errors....

PS: That project remains incomplete.