tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930138001271331642024-03-13T13:36:43.364+10:00Cirque Du BebeCirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-26888268873690795232014-06-24T14:44:00.000+10:002014-06-24T14:44:22.482+10:00I've moved!<br />
Hello! Hurrah! If you're reading this it means I've made it back into the blogosphere. My new site is <a href="http://www.adaspragg.com/">NOW LIVE</a>, which makes this my last official post as Cirque Du Bebe. I am now blogging (still about sewing of course) at:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.adaspragg.com/">www.adaspragg.com </a> </span></h2>
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This blog (www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com) will soon be re-directed to<a href="http://www.adaspragg.com/"> Ada Spragg</a> where you will find all previous posts, projects, lady sewing and boy sewing.<br />
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If you are currently<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2642717"> following via Bloglovin</a>, there is no need to update anything, you will receive new posts in your feed as normal, except they will now be from a blog called <a href="http://www.adaspragg.com/">ADA SPRAGG</a>!<br />
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Don't fancy <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2642717">Bloglovin </a>but would still like to receive new posts updates? I recommend subscribing via <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/AdaSpragg">Feedburner</a>, <a href="http://feedly.com/#subscription%2Ffeed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Ffeeds2.feedburner.com%2FAdaSpragg">Feedly </a>or email. All of these options can be located in the 'follow me' box in the sidebar at <a href="http://www.adaspragg.com/">Ada Spragg.</a> Life vests are under your seat.<br />
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If you have any q's feel free to email me at hello@adaspragg.com.<br />
<br />Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-45939387618748168122014-03-07T19:09:00.001+10:002014-05-30T14:10:25.540+10:00The time is now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGGaQ_FbXUW5cGmCz9v2NhMwXmtaDN-teXiGZZmbLDHnTCFu6hWVVki0azoMLXz4pZTfCVDUEsqZ1r3PC_FyPhSuzrUXupmqxgntIfaWn-Bg-fkAbU10w4ZCLYZ70c8vu_0Mm-CFokuM/s1600/wiksten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGGaQ_FbXUW5cGmCz9v2NhMwXmtaDN-teXiGZZmbLDHnTCFu6hWVVki0azoMLXz4pZTfCVDUEsqZ1r3PC_FyPhSuzrUXupmqxgntIfaWn-Bg-fkAbU10w4ZCLYZ70c8vu_0Mm-CFokuM/s1600/wiksten.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Design by Wiksten // Image via <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/756774">Spoonflower</a></span></div>
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At the start of 2014, I wrote a <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/2-0-1-4.html">List Of Things</a>. 'Revamp blog' was about 3/4 of the way down and added with an extra sprinkling of 'that'd be nice, manana, manana'. But here we are, it is March and I cannot wait any longer to overhaul this space. If you've been with me since the beginnings of this blogging journey, you'll have noticed there's not a whole of sewing for 'bebe's happening these days. Just know my boys are clothed. Also know, I've been wrestling with this long and hard, feeling like changing my content from kid sewing to lady sewing was somehow a big bloggy no no. I've come to realise that creativity is fluid and if you give yourself over to it and don't get bogged down in the 'should sews', it makes sense that you'll be constantly evolving too. Blog design can be tweaked. But a good a lesson in choosing a blog name that can grow with you! </div>
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For the month of march I'm going to be entering that dark place where the technically-able reside, fumbling my way from one blogging platform to another, hoping to emerge with the blog equivalent of a butterfly, or at least a Spanish Moon Moth. <br />
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See you in on the other side! In the mean time what I'd really like to know is.... <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Why do you f#%$ing love sewing?</span></em></div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-38563149862127009952014-02-26T20:57:00.001+10:002014-02-26T20:57:20.223+10:00Gaab-reee-OH-LA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CbieJPdWXRTZh0g0Bte8mm-EMFfTSUxJAmUEVRg6xJ5S-1Evt2ZStkHeYgwERQnhvA7OvK9z1aVk21WCQthrQ7Zi5kWGVwWFjo3qMVqQz20p4wQvy9yQEbrLZjpOGK9eyZgWGSB4kBo/s1600/maxi+skirt+length.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CbieJPdWXRTZh0g0Bte8mm-EMFfTSUxJAmUEVRg6xJ5S-1Evt2ZStkHeYgwERQnhvA7OvK9z1aVk21WCQthrQ7Zi5kWGVwWFjo3qMVqQz20p4wQvy9yQEbrLZjpOGK9eyZgWGSB4kBo/s1600/maxi+skirt+length.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kookai top // me-made skirt // Abode necklace // Thrift store heels // hair unruly by nature</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<i>Gotta love a skirt that goes forever</i>...</div>
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<em>...but doesn't take forever! </em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCdysycRt_-QPCG4ESocDJYEhYDhwdSM50WFliOhL53HvPgY78BGF0aDwfqHorBBneZxahOWt5LiR9J8DDrUOXdxw68YogwUJoH_5CpJhItr1elmSF7nakE1VaNAeSeXrGUcejCU8T6s/s1600/maxi+skirt+angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCdysycRt_-QPCG4ESocDJYEhYDhwdSM50WFliOhL53HvPgY78BGF0aDwfqHorBBneZxahOWt5LiR9J8DDrUOXdxw68YogwUJoH_5CpJhItr1elmSF7nakE1VaNAeSeXrGUcejCU8T6s/s1600/maxi+skirt+angle.jpg" /></a></div>
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Presenting <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/gabriola-skirt/">Gabriola</a>...</b>the freshest and arguably the juiciest sewing pattern to leave the hot little hands of <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/">Sewaholic</a>. An on-the-waist, full length skirt with a back zip and hook and bar closures. If you can sew a zip (or you tube how to sew a zip) then you're sweet. <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/">Gabriola</a> is a skirt for all seasons (see <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/">this</a> perfectly wintery black version) but personally I think she reeks of icy-poles and lazy summer afternoons. Not unlike my hair, she's wild and windswept and maybe a little unruly. The perfect companion for tank tops and floaty blouses. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrKjXyrjA5PQZ3X0SvciaNiUfHkGozlz-WCLQRZ5GErSSMpWqhZgs4TZ7Yy6_XXweT9pQiUZiCuex2bykYXkn5tZSyT6gvHo7ny3cyNaZBoPNZxNIexj-c0y_bQe4z0oQCqe6xW9U8wE/s1600/maxi+skirt+back+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrKjXyrjA5PQZ3X0SvciaNiUfHkGozlz-WCLQRZ5GErSSMpWqhZgs4TZ7Yy6_XXweT9pQiUZiCuex2bykYXkn5tZSyT6gvHo7ny3cyNaZBoPNZxNIexj-c0y_bQe4z0oQCqe6xW9U8wE/s1600/maxi+skirt+back+detail.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv_9tDmb2yLZFv6lHzJJLj1cM154a2ZgZAOImhlIxwKCsgMjpOOy1o6qYkyBYv12357t9lfwxmKbHj5MWevCBcqoV3qHyjImFtj9u90Rymlb0vtouEGufb_v5YsMGCpg99ugwimpuzoE/s1600/maxi+skirt+dramatic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv_9tDmb2yLZFv6lHzJJLj1cM154a2ZgZAOImhlIxwKCsgMjpOOy1o6qYkyBYv12357t9lfwxmKbHj5MWevCBcqoV3qHyjImFtj9u90Rymlb0vtouEGufb_v5YsMGCpg99ugwimpuzoE/s1600/maxi+skirt+dramatic.jpg" /></a><br />
If its not already apparent, this pattern is all kind of aaamazing. Some of the details are hard to see in this fabric but check out the technical drawing for a good look. Basically the front and back 'yoke' of the skirt are made up of lots of intersecting pieces. And not just random shapes but thoughtfully drafted thigh-caressing, hip-skimming leg-elongating pieces. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKORqueJOULGCCT5GPPVXCPNTz6_qoaDkbUspR2Vd9_OCTIXWVBoFRcyvO4h2WTkuRUFORN0PJU88qbgTwHK4KXsClEySTgTd_eX7j-z_VTn9uUSQaGuppIfCKpmpJ4eYyd_jdcavFQss/s1600/maxi+skirt+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKORqueJOULGCCT5GPPVXCPNTz6_qoaDkbUspR2Vd9_OCTIXWVBoFRcyvO4h2WTkuRUFORN0PJU88qbgTwHK4KXsClEySTgTd_eX7j-z_VTn9uUSQaGuppIfCKpmpJ4eYyd_jdcavFQss/s1600/maxi+skirt+6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em>The specs:</em><br />
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Fabric // confetti viscose from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/">Tessuti Fabrics</a><br />
Sizing // <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/">Sewaholic</a> patterns are known for lovingly accommodating the pear shaped among us. Being not especially of the pear shaped variety, I took extra care choosing a size knowing that if I went by my waist measurement, the hips would likely be too big. I measured an 8 for the bust and waist, but a 6 for the hips, so I figured if there was some ease in the pattern then I could probably get away with the 6 around the waist and the hips would be a better fit than the 8. The 6 is perfect. No sizing, fitting mods necessary.<br />
Tweaks & tips // To attach the waistband to the inside of the skirt, the instructions call for hand-stitching. I decided to stitch in the ditch because a. I didn't entirely trust that my hand stitching would hold up this drapey but very heavy fabric over time b. I was feeling impatient and c. actually I like the finish it gives, invisible on the outside and still neat on the inside. Likewise I went for a machine stitched double fold hem, over a hand-stitched one to save time but again because of the fabric. <br />
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And lastly, a bit of a weird one is using your machines walking foot for attaching the waistband to the skirt. I found there was heaps of ease here probably from the bias pieces, even though they were stay-stitched. </div>
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Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-86132356064983159372014-01-26T08:51:00.003+10:002014-04-02T13:50:16.445+10:00The Perfect Pair // Rust Dot Culottes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just as suddenly as you may find yourself a mum, you may also find yourself required to contort into all sorts of amazing and compromising positions during the course of a day. Most likely you will be retrieving something from the ground, sometimes a child, sometimes a snack, sometimes a child with a snack. Whatever it is, rest assured, said incidence will occur at a. school pick up b. school drop off c. any place you don't want to hang around with your butt skyward. It is the nature of the beast, there's nothing you can do. But, if you're a moderate to quick learner, you'll only do it, mmm, maybe nine or ten times in a mid thigh skirt / dress.<br />
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Until the day you wake up and you realise that you are not the same person you were six short years and a lifetime ago. Clothes that were perfectly comfortable, even practical pre-kids, now fall short, literally. There's been no dramatic change, just a million small ones that has lead to feeling like I'm on the cusp of a new era of dressing. I mean, I don't feel that different than I did at 22, sure I'm a little older, a little wiser, maybe. And there are physical changes, like going from being busty with no hippage to hippy with no bustage. But mostly there feels less of a need to scream sexy from the mountaintops. Sure, I still want to feel attractive but mostly I'm too frickin tired to get to the mountaintops. And if I'm screaming, its probably at my kids to stop fighting in my bed first thing in the morning. Joking, mostly. No, they really do fight in my bed.</div>
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One thing I've been noticing, now more than ever, is how important it is to dress for the day. <i>And</i>, in things that allow you to get on with the day. When I get up in the morning and put on something I feel good in, it colors the whole day. I stand up straighter, smile more, take things less to heart, look out for fun, am more productive and, here's the big one...I parent, <em>completely differently</em>. Last year I found dressing for the day challenging. Most of the clothes I sewed, fell into the 'too good' for every day category. I thought maybe I could start celebrating the everyday by breaking out these clothes but then I thought I might cry if Hudson smeared butter chicken on <a href="http://cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sew-bossy.html">La Sylphide</a>. This year the plan is balance; sewing more every day clothes for the hand-made wardrobe.<br />
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What has all this got to do with shorts? Well, since a day in the life can involve all sorts of weird and wonderful outings / acrobatics it demands a wardrobe to match. And SHORTS are the way forward. The perfect pair can tick ALL the boxes, all two of them: mum friendly and fiercely attractive. This is a fugly shorts free zone, friends. Besides the practicalities, there are a lot of great looking shorts patterns out there that keep getting shoved down the queue by more exciting projects. So I figure, divide and conquer. I'm aiming to make 4-5 pairs, in the hopes of finding a staple go-to, never-fail shorts pattern for ever more. And where do you start when you want to make yourself some dandy shorts? Here is a list, mostly from independent pattern companies because we love them so...<br />
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<a href="http://ralphpink-patterns.com/product/rp029/">Ralf Pink // Paperbag Shorts</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/71096808/scalloped-hem-shorts-pdf-pattern">Pattern Runway // Scalloped Hem Shorts</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/pleated-shorts-022013">Burdastyle // Pleated Shorts</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/iris">Colette // Iris Shorts</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/">Salme // Paperbag Waist Shorts</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/">Salme // Side Zipper Shorts</a> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://megannielsen.com/products/tania-culottes-sewing-pattern">Megan Nielsen // Tania Culottes</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://dixiediy.bigcartel.com/product/movies-in-the-park-shorts">Dixie Diy // Movies in the Park Shorts</a> </div>
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<a href="http://peppermintmag.com/other/sewing-school/">Peppermint Magazine // Short Stuff shorts</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/thurlow-trousers/">Sewaholic // Thurlow shorts / Trousers</a></div>
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<a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/collections/all/products/pleated-pants">Papercut // Pleated Shorts</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/102010-wool-shorts">Burdastyle // Wool Shorts</a></div>
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<a href="http://boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/13-bottoms-chataigne-shorts.html">Deer and Doe // Chataigne Shorts</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://fine-motor-skills.blogspot.ca/2013/07/jimmy-shorts-with-pattern.html">Fine Motor Skills // Jimmy shorts</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/product/maritime-shorts">Grainline Studio // Maritime shorts</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-7392-misses-shorts.aspx">New Look // 6100</a><br />
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<i>Pattern</i> // <a href="http://megannielsen.com/products/tania-culottes-sewing-pattern">Megan Nielsen Tania Culottes</a></div>
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<i>Fabric</i> // Floaty delicious rayon from <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">here</a></div>
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<i>Size</i> // M (a size up from this version)</div>
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<i>Mods</i> // 1.5 inches added to length.</div>
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First up, an oldie but a goodie: After<a href="http://cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/shorts-on-line-tania-culottes.html"> this version</a>, which turned out very very short and haven't been worn much, I've been wanting to another go at the Tania's. The bones are good: the fit is nice, the wide waistband feels secure and the invisible side zip is flattering. Mostly I've been waiting to hoe into this amazing rayon, which is so soft and drapey and delicious and I am sad that it's over but glad it was the Tania's that did it. If you're making the Tania's, you will need something flowy otherwise you'll get poofy. I let the hems hang for a day or two and decided I rather liked them lower and higher in parts. Also because I wished I had cut them another inch longer so places where the hem dropped kind of made up for it. The upshot: I've been wearing them weekly! Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-45908115658238554972014-01-15T07:49:00.003+10:002014-01-15T07:58:49.096+10:00Sewers High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pattern // <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1247-products-14158.php?page_id=174">Vogue 1247</a></div>
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Fabric // Silk crepe de chine from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/">here</a>.</div>
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I know! I know! I said less of the fancy this year. But this is the first of a small backlog of un-photographed garments from <i>last </i>year. I'm enjoying the illusion of being a month ahead so we'll just pretend that I'm super organized and on top of my game okay?! Come the end of January, it'll be back to a top here, a skirt there in between, you know, raising human beings and stuff. This is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1247-products-14158.php?page_id=174">Vogue 1247</a> and we are in love. If you're into this sewing thing, then you'd know that's its not every day nor every garment where you're blown away by your own sewing efforts. So when it does happen, its all the more special. The stars align, the sewing gods smile down and it makes perfect sense why you do this thing that you do. Sure, there are bits I wish I'd taken more care with. Its not a perfect garment. But staring doe eyed at the finished top and seeing not too much distinguishing it from ready-to-wear is a pretty unbeatable feeling. Like runners high but without the mess.<br />
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Ohhhh wait, back up. That was from three feet away. If we zoom in closer, you'd notice the front pieces don't quite intersect at the same point and the shoulder pleats are different widths. I am coming-to-terms-with-being-okay-with-tolerating a few dodgy bits in the face of mostly overall magnificence. Progress Not Perfection. The pleaty problem may have something to do with using broken off chunks of tailors chalk as a marking tool. Since marking vital things like darts and pleats with a thick blurry line, does not make for precise sewing. I've since acquired some chalk pencils. As for the front section where all the triangular pieces intersect, well, I got excited about finishing and ignored the creeping feeling that there may have been some important markings I really should go back and check. So no, the front pieces didn't line up and consequently ate 1/2 inch from each side. Anyway, everything <i>was </i>and <i>is </i>okay. But good foresight in choosing a print that hides all manner of sins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBK8PzOvoNP9o_BZbGfGSjODg91-HyFfYxPtgVYbdX40ofEuMaOCd9IwKTU0cebQNQEYztljNr9n3EYI39Z_JjtWj3_Wpx0eQwdO4JqDTqlJ2rujhdmyfzYda1ZdNjuUJVRwyKRRs1x0/s1600/670i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>I feel like I've had this pattern in the stash forever. Actually it may have been the virgin 'adult' pattern purchase. I fell a bit in love with <a href="http://sallieoh.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/halloweenie.html">Sallieoh's version</a> and then discovered some of its beautiful cousins, see <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/not-t-shirt.html">Closet Case Files</a>, <a href="http://crabandbee.com/2012/07/25/citrus-slice/">Crab and Bee</a>, <a href="http://clothhabit.com/2013/02/golden-hour/">Cloth Habit</a>. Now if, like me, you're a girl that likes your tops a bit slouchy, with interesting details (a geometric pieced front section), a mid length sleeve and some cuff action then this one's for you. Best of all, are the finishes. The pattern has french seams, a bias finished neckline and faced sleeves. Things I never used to give a shit about, but am coming to appreciate, deeply. <br />
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So, the reason I've been balking for so long is sizing issues among reviewers. The main complaint being it runs extremely large. But now I feel I've surely caught up on every version ever sewn and blogged plus made my own, hopefully I can shed some light. In Vogue patterns, I usually make a 12. However, for Vogue 1247, if you go to the secret, but not so secret section called 'finished garment measurements' on the pattern itself (thanking <a href="http://sallieoh.blogspot.com.au/">Sallieoh </a>for this genius), you will find that you can easily size down at least one or two sizes and still end up with a loose fitting top instead of a sloppy ill fitting top. But if its a poncho your heart desires then who I am to judge. Now, if you'd sat me down and said Sophie, you probably should muslin that front section, I would have told you where to go. I figured the best chance for a decent sizing guestimate was measuring and re-measuring and trying on roughly pinned pattern pieces until I felt fairly confident. I sized down two whole sizes to an 8. To keep some length I added approx 3/8" in length and cut the sleeves to the size 10 length. The sleeves could be longer but overall the fit is ace.<br />
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The other potential pitfall here is depth of the v-neck . I like cleavage as much as the next person but on a top like this its more like gape-age. On the size 8 the V is fine, but only just. If I'd made even the 10, or the 12, I may legally have had to place warning signs: Beware the chasm! And slightly beware, the bias sleeve facings, which threatened to pull every which and curl up while attaching to the sleeves. This part was actually the most challenging and I'm hoping it will be less so in a cotton voile, for no.2. So really there are only a couple of things but nothing significant enough to be put off making a second one and hopefully no-one off a first one!Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com76tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-36583586015258917332014-01-06T19:10:00.003+10:002014-01-06T19:24:29.120+10:002 0 1 4 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To be honest I'm happy to see the back of 2013. It was a year of epic proportions, the highlights of which were <a href="http://cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/project-sewn-wrap-up.html">Project Sewn</a>, teaching sewing at <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">The Craft Sessions</a> and getting Archie through his first year of school. Lowlights included getting re-stitched from Archie's birth and having wisdom teeth out. Too graphic? Sorry. Suffice to say I'm feeling the need to drink lots of tea and generally self nourish in 2014. And sew. Here's the list of loose 'goals' for the year ahead...<br />
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<i><b>To sew </b></i></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">A coat. I'm looking at you, <a href="http://republiqueduchiffon.com/2013/11/05/patron-manteau-gerard/">Gerard</a>. You gorgeous French thing for which I have no translation, you. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Another <a href="http://cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/bombshell-this.html">swimsuit</a> (or two)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Less of the fancy, more of the wearable. Simple. Practical. Fiercely attractive, mum friendly clothes.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">The perfect pair of shorts</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>To knit</i></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Something! Anything! After being surrounded by so many beautiful hand-made knits last year at The Craft Sessions I got all inspired to knit something to wear to the next one. I'd like to make a hat,<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/transaction/162645744?ref=fb2_tnx_title"> this hat,</a> to go with Gerard. I've already bought the wool. That's half way there right? Not sure if there is room for two super crafts in my life but we'll see...</li>
</ul>
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<i><b>To learn</b></i></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">How to boss around my newly acquired, lightly pre-loved DSLR. And how to use a self timer. Steps have been taken...booked into a short course next week. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">How to do my hair. Don't laugh. I'm looking for a hair mentor. </li>
</ul>
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<b><i>To re-learn</i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Invisible zips. After more than enough to know what I'm doing, I'd just like to feel like I know what I'm doing.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Welt pockets. The outside construction is good, it's adding a pocket bag that's a bloody mess.</li>
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<b><i>To gain</i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">NEW SKILLZ. The time has come. Photoshop, Lightroom. Illustrator. There are so many simple things which I'd like to be able to tweak or adjust with my blog. Funnily enough I got part way through a graphic design course when pregnant with Archie Must have been the part right before all the really important stuff I need to know now. Which brings me to my next point: </li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>To revamp</b> </i></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">This space. </span></li>
</ul>
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<b><i>To cultivate</i></b></div>
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<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Community around sewing. A regular, local sewing get-together.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Some medium for sharing what I'm going to sew next on the blog. Be it sketches / watercolor / computerized.</li>
</ul>
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I think that will do for 2014. How about you. Any dreams and schemes?</div>
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Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-91707248167383068692013-11-23T20:27:00.001+10:002014-01-13T17:47:05.074+10:00A Wiksten in Wiksten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaMIfCC81_0PNmjiVzgcTFSqYwJtd7fzUqGLEVEY52t4Jxc_ovqlxYP3Tj4vWtgxsgfPdDvL0ZJSmxeqsoBktTdjHgsa_jAk6EPeimnN8ESVpIMVf9tz7v594E0tLsOyRU9RAwpPm6TI/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaMIfCC81_0PNmjiVzgcTFSqYwJtd7fzUqGLEVEY52t4Jxc_ovqlxYP3Tj4vWtgxsgfPdDvL0ZJSmxeqsoBktTdjHgsa_jAk6EPeimnN8ESVpIMVf9tz7v594E0tLsOyRU9RAwpPm6TI/s640/5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Finally, five days after having wisdom teeth out and I'm in some sort of state to string a sentence together. Not through my mouth, since I'm still looking like an angry rabbit, apparently. So before the op, I bundled my machine off for a service and since the op there's been the distraction of food. What can I eat? When can I eat again? When can I eat Ultimate Pork Tacos with Spicy Black Beans & Avocado green salad? Yup, totally been torturing myself watching Jamie and Nigella all week, from the couch at my parents place. But now, back home, there's the exciting proposition of an empty sewing table. Best feeling ever! It's looking like <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1247-products-14158.php?page_id=174">Vogue 1247</a>, but also possible a random will jump the queue. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzC6juGdotA_268IYMXX0BshQTrPul4ySfeZFOkNnq_wk96jKER-g7I75Du6AT3Sy5nNF9TJ39Z84qDm_aaCzuJ5tAE3RL-XQ4BeyjhW-BpwBocFRU0r224jqQN2W_lISxihkpKbHeeQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzC6juGdotA_268IYMXX0BshQTrPul4ySfeZFOkNnq_wk96jKER-g7I75Du6AT3Sy5nNF9TJ39Z84qDm_aaCzuJ5tAE3RL-XQ4BeyjhW-BpwBocFRU0r224jqQN2W_lISxihkpKbHeeQ/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Pattern </i>// <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/product/tank-top-sewing-pattern-downloadable-pdf">Wiksten Tank</a></div>
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<i>Fabric </i>// Silk crepe de chine from <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/756774">Spoonflower</a>.</div>
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Before we go further, just take a moment to behold the small victory of pocket placement. What pocket? That's right, see, left breast. No, my left. It wasn't necessary to match it up but I liked the idea of an incognito pocket and the challenge of matching. Like sewing Tetrus. I made my <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/tribal-wiksten-tank.html">first Wiksten</a> early on in the piece, my second one died a horrible death recently and now this one, which won't be the last. Simply, it's a satisfying sew, I love the fit and insides are pretty (french seams). Its a feel-good project and you need feel good projects when you are just starting out sewing for yourself but also when you're in a sewing slump or just come out of sewing hell (see <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/a-sequin-shift-for-mississippi-wedding.html">gold sequin amazing nightmare dress)</a>. Which is why I chose it as <i>the </i>project to introduce my lovely, workshop <strike>guineapigs</strike> goers to the world of sewing for themselves at <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">The Craft Sessions</a> retreat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK42z2IGw6JZLB6KZOt63AmL0zDz3cD8eR362o28XxGgAakKWED27Sul3yZnulVGCYKcqEvJDZXplAzyYiG40u3ox1gc2sppf6Ee9657_VlOa2jJfWU3hIildELKy3qOSA4WY2xB0Cweg/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK42z2IGw6JZLB6KZOt63AmL0zDz3cD8eR362o28XxGgAakKWED27Sul3yZnulVGCYKcqEvJDZXplAzyYiG40u3ox1gc2sppf6Ee9657_VlOa2jJfWU3hIildELKy3qOSA4WY2xB0Cweg/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyF572wzPtc4aT65zj-mfKaaqMbksv0pGwyCjCCeY48JeTxsvz-QG96bFMAQuu40AsmkyrzNcET-H4pP0oyovYNHOZSkAosibrSCAAw5M99aDhhgJ4uKq7KUh6fi6maZO3aEvmijM8GU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyF572wzPtc4aT65zj-mfKaaqMbksv0pGwyCjCCeY48JeTxsvz-QG96bFMAQuu40AsmkyrzNcET-H4pP0oyovYNHOZSkAosibrSCAAw5M99aDhhgJ4uKq7KUh6fi6maZO3aEvmijM8GU/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well it's no secret anything <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/product/tank-top-dress-sewing-pattern">Wiksten Tank </a>designer, <a href="http://blog.shopwiksten.com/">Jenny Gordy</a>, touches turns to gold. More than once I've longed to have an actual piece of actual <a href="http://www.shopwiksten.com/">Wiksten clothing</a> hanging in my wardrobe and Jenny must have sensed this because, quite amazingly she contributed a whole bunch of <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/wiksten">beautiful fabric designs</a> from her collections to <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/wiksten">Spoonflower</a>, where you and I can get them printed out onto silk, cotton, jersey and have our own piece of Wiksteny goodness. I've loved this print so hard but been unsure how to make the most of it (the pressure! the pressure!) and so decided to sew a special version to take down to the Yarra Valley. Along with a bunch of other ridiculously inadequate wardrobe choices for a frosty weekend in the Victorian highlands. Seriously it was so cold, I spent the first night in a random cardigan hand-knitted by someone's grandmother. Which now that I think about it, may have been the catalyst for wanting to learn to knit....</div>
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You know what gets me going in the morning? PRE-WASHING! See this?! If you pre-wash your fabric this thing happens where your top stays the same size the next time you wash it and again after that. Or, also kind of magic but mostly depressing, if you choose not to pre-wash, you get to see all your hard work turn into a shrinky dink, like Wiksten number two...three inches shorter, not even wearable as a crop.</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-51885889480629916332013-11-11T19:48:00.000+10:002013-12-23T08:25:44.234+10:00Scandinavian Style Sewing Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVzdujSyXi8GSRBQPUal6J479fb26Pc6wJiSau3Yp0EhtaHcwABiohXtNrUPKA9GKhDOAgLdAxkRgUwGU6Z-4nt6YmNjXTZGi5lmJ5hrUB824KjF8qqFiWNkll0a8U3qqpLAvQA2kH7s/s1600/Oufit1_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVzdujSyXi8GSRBQPUal6J479fb26Pc6wJiSau3Yp0EhtaHcwABiohXtNrUPKA9GKhDOAgLdAxkRgUwGU6Z-4nt6YmNjXTZGi5lmJ5hrUB824KjF8qqFiWNkll0a8U3qqpLAvQA2kH7s/s640/Oufit1_08.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
This post is the culmination of some serious last minute sewing. It's not like I haven't had almost half a year to prepare an outfit for the cute <a href="http://www.boyohboyohboycrafts.com/2013/10/scandinavian-style-sewing-series.html">Scandinavian Sewing Series</a> being hosted by <a href="http://www.boyohboyohboycrafts.com/">Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy</a>. These last few months have been all kinds of crazy. Right now I'm coming back to reality after an amazing weekend and months worth of preparation for the recent <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">The Crafts Sessions</a> retreat, where I was teaching sewing, of all things! I promise a full report soon. So Scandiniavian style ey? A fun theme, but it had me scratching my head. Scandinavian kids style is pretty definitive and <a href="http://www.sewastraightline.com/2013/11/scandinavian-style.html">Sabra </a>totally nailed it <a href="http://www.sewastraightline.com/2013/11/scandinavian-style.html">here </a>and Mie <a href="http://www.sewinglikemad.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/scandinavian-styling-sewing-series.html">here</a>. But Scandinavian adult fashion, what exactly is that? My usual search for Pinspiration confirmed what I thought I knew about Scandinavian style as <i>less is more</i>, simplicity, clean lines and understated cool. Which morphed into a striped knit dress, polka dot bomber jacket and some clogs. We'll just go with Essence of Scandinavia, yah?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVt33PDb0Kb7e_e20ybNLGhw8loMIB0VUxDQkB8exdjEhuRQKWLHJ5BGXuKTETjDhFmAX8d6rzJtSQfTqy_1Ve11-JWHG6ofelO9x0tx04pXsYigyRGtZH-6dou8PvK2OrxPdGeo7KTc/s1600/Oufit1_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVt33PDb0Kb7e_e20ybNLGhw8loMIB0VUxDQkB8exdjEhuRQKWLHJ5BGXuKTETjDhFmAX8d6rzJtSQfTqy_1Ve11-JWHG6ofelO9x0tx04pXsYigyRGtZH-6dou8PvK2OrxPdGeo7KTc/s640/Oufit1_31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinBuuJYW-blslWDE55gHr2wXfCPAixznK1BOmVlIOidsBtAJjQBq78Mo2vNUYfc6xcLMgzDkRHB1fef5asS_1q5J2fFaxhWrWrsQgYk2m-iozdibFaZG2ja_VzIdlUK8t01u3zfIV0Fc/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinBuuJYW-blslWDE55gHr2wXfCPAixznK1BOmVlIOidsBtAJjQBq78Mo2vNUYfc6xcLMgzDkRHB1fef5asS_1q5J2fFaxhWrWrsQgYk2m-iozdibFaZG2ja_VzIdlUK8t01u3zfIV0Fc/s640/1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Starting with the dress. The fabric is a viscose lycra knit from <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">here</a>, purchased with loose plans for a casual dress. But I've been unsure what season to sew for, which is happening a lot lately. I kind of fell in love with wearing Winter clothes in Melbourne and coming back to 30 degrees has been brutal. So there is definitely a bit of Seasonal Sewing Disorder going on. It was going to be above knee and a-line for summer, but I love 3/4 sleeves on everything so its ended up being trans-seasonal. I started with a great fitting long sleeved t-shirt and extended it downwards and outwards. I thought I'd like to make a square-ish neckline and with a facing, just for something different. I carefully drafted the facing, lovingly interfaced it, attached it and put the whole thing on to find the weight of the jersey pulled the facing right up and out of the neckline, like a big fat sad bottom lip. Which coincidentally, matched mine. Anyway, thankful for lessons learned and I saved the dress by folding the neckline over to the inside and top stitching. Yep, the perfect garment is indeed a myth.<br />
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A Bomber! A Bomber! I made a Bomber jacket and its quite possibly one of my all time fav handmade pieces. Kind of a good thing, considering how emotionally invested I was in it. I cut into one of my most prized pieces in the stash (which is quite modest in case you're wondering), a thrifted $1.50 piece of navy polka-dot chambray. Who even throws out polka-dot chambray? And didn't they know I would have paid at least twice that? Anyway, its been saved for something spesh. Quite recently and very excitingly, I nearly fell over myself at the chance to test one of <a href="http://www.thepapercutcollective.com/2013/11/introducing-new-collection-constellation.html">The Papercut Collective's</a> new patterns from the mind-blowingly gorgeous collection, <a href="http://www.thepapercutcollective.com/2013/11/introducing-new-collection-constellation.html">Constellation</a>. Which was just released today! I really could have tested them all, but went for the Bomber jacket, the <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/collections/all">Rigel Bomber</a>, the very thing I have been coveting all year, all over <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cirquedubebe/boards/">Pinterest</a> and waiting for an inspiring pattern. Printed Bombers, with their unattractive boxy, masculine shape made up in a cutesy print just do it for me. It was a toss up between this print and a couple of Nani Iro florals, so I'm thankful to everyone who peer pressured me into the dots on Instagram.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzP9tN_D4lbYGjOiCzyDmLEe_QjBdosrYWoS0ThJcZlrj-GCu2_8HdFG61nN3DdNmChuFvo7_UCZJhlUuRVH-zuev350vunAA6K9SIkXS9yfFo8sym0aIx3ePMUmDUVNd6XOIdOGXR1E/s1600/Oufit1_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzP9tN_D4lbYGjOiCzyDmLEe_QjBdosrYWoS0ThJcZlrj-GCu2_8HdFG61nN3DdNmChuFvo7_UCZJhlUuRVH-zuev350vunAA6K9SIkXS9yfFo8sym0aIx3ePMUmDUVNd6XOIdOGXR1E/s640/Oufit1_16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf3Lcs3ryr26kf8EZMkH3y5rgB1iPsGAUZxXPAWPYA4ZxnXtTfBkT8NYpfNJFnGBq4IK7sTfLZSl8iIbXi3NTWEyUqBZfet8srNm81OSNBYfPune1kWgqbVG8IFyZT9GHxfwJ97xuj0k/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf3Lcs3ryr26kf8EZMkH3y5rgB1iPsGAUZxXPAWPYA4ZxnXtTfBkT8NYpfNJFnGBq4IK7sTfLZSl8iIbXi3NTWEyUqBZfet8srNm81OSNBYfPune1kWgqbVG8IFyZT9GHxfwJ97xuj0k/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Now, I'm sure part of the reason my love for this Bomber runs so deep is it's as good looking on the inside as the outside. When I wear it, I feel...neat. Schmick. Well put together. So good that adjectives fail me. You can't help but feel like the shit when you've just tackled welt pockets, chunky zips and facings. All of which make for a pretty special garment. All of which were potentially anxiety inducing if it weren't for good instructions and diagrams there to hold my hand. I loved the suggestion of binding the edge of the facing with bias tape stead of serging. I made actual bias binding. Now that's commitment right there. And now I am certain that how much you love your hand-makes in the end is entirely related to how much care and love you bestow on the little details during its making. Of course this only applies if the love is reciprocated with the thing working out awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8nfx7NR3uG4gGqrpahu7MQ6IZRyT9Y2d8h-PKh84UeOtNHUBB1R-QgQyEuLyADOaILHyGDOSNyQrvsdQ_QZ23o5VRW3yc8KBuD0xSGITMh2NaNt4vFxVFA9G8MPQXAqHMKon2j6Dx-8/s1600/Oufit1_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8nfx7NR3uG4gGqrpahu7MQ6IZRyT9Y2d8h-PKh84UeOtNHUBB1R-QgQyEuLyADOaILHyGDOSNyQrvsdQ_QZ23o5VRW3yc8KBuD0xSGITMh2NaNt4vFxVFA9G8MPQXAqHMKon2j6Dx-8/s640/Oufit1_03.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Lucky it did work out, considering I bi-passed the muslin. The fit is good; I could do with some more length in the arms but I <i>was </i>gifted excessively long arms. I am the 'reacher of high things' at work. If I was going to be wearing the Bomber zipped up, I could do with a bit more room in the shoulders but I intend to throw it over things so this is not really a problem. The only mod I made was to shear off some of the width of the neck ribbing but just because I liked the look of it with less. Next time, and there will be a next time, I may add some length to the arms and body but again, will likely be wearing it with the sleeves pushed up so it might not be necessary. I think it says a lot about a pattern when you're already planning the next one before it's finished!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6lFat4cyyENV0NWFQakt7DXnH_CiYasFmnR3hZcDITEKoMqBNdpvallP4wKuQg6JJvI58UqE1_tRRxWjwpzhPsIaiVHfqvSesC8TYnBdwoRsgNiL2nHQ1sRJj30FKRUP3xfp9S5Jowk/s1600/Oufit1_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6lFat4cyyENV0NWFQakt7DXnH_CiYasFmnR3hZcDITEKoMqBNdpvallP4wKuQg6JJvI58UqE1_tRRxWjwpzhPsIaiVHfqvSesC8TYnBdwoRsgNiL2nHQ1sRJj30FKRUP3xfp9S5Jowk/s640/Oufit1_23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Well, that's me vibing Scandinavian style. Be sure to check out the rest of the fun over at <a href="http://www.boyohboyohboycrafts.com/search/label/Scandinavian%20Style">Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite60YbQgvaE-HEgshyphenhyphenymC-4ATlavOFxTpBhHrM2hLTfOnf231hsp4MLHVjU5kGWRAH6BjRFH5wDI-x3hpcmJfdQYt4BimNn49fD3cVrZXcKaktYHf03WhLZ7ZS5hBb-29555MaoHvSOQ/s1600/scandinavianstylebutton150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite60YbQgvaE-HEgshyphenhyphenymC-4ATlavOFxTpBhHrM2hLTfOnf231hsp4MLHVjU5kGWRAH6BjRFH5wDI-x3hpcmJfdQYt4BimNn49fD3cVrZXcKaktYHf03WhLZ7ZS5hBb-29555MaoHvSOQ/s320/scandinavianstylebutton150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-62003756793698144222013-10-12T22:26:00.003+10:002013-10-12T22:31:41.273+10:00The Original Satsuki <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAo0r0Ik6r9r6YzjhaXOR7ttak7JX3FE4yoLonHb4T9Bt_pxtJM9tU7f6rkc3laNhd9WyFAf1aHV9VOs5wVavSnejLNtYZR7V_ZdRpIx-wrvNtS3cxx4VxgNloxU2_k6vJTbkfT3Vq6Y/s1600/_MG_7201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAo0r0Ik6r9r6YzjhaXOR7ttak7JX3FE4yoLonHb4T9Bt_pxtJM9tU7f6rkc3laNhd9WyFAf1aHV9VOs5wVavSnejLNtYZR7V_ZdRpIx-wrvNtS3cxx4VxgNloxU2_k6vJTbkfT3Vq6Y/s640/_MG_7201.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Aloha! I made this one approx half a year ago and it hasn't made it to the blog yet. Why? I don't know, I felt a little squeamish about the pics looking a bit airbrushed (they were very kindly edited by a photographer friend) and its not the kind of the angle I want to take with my blerg. Anyway, I ummed and aaahed about posting them. But then I got over that, and thought, it's a dress, it's a post and right now being mega distracted in full <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">Craft Sessions</a> prep mode, I'm scrounging up all the posts I can get. So I give you, the original <a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/satsuki/">Satsuki </a>dress, the one before <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/project-sewn-week-two-lets-pretend-its.html">this cut-out one</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkvOXZRJprmFg7M9NFY09zHjGhovLCzKW6InsqP28PX03v3j9HTMShMvGQbPgGCOnidQztOy53c8wklMen1NEgn9x2pgG_C9CP3JQxmxjwtAhyphenhyphenfK73BifXUwSWm9NlGWIfMoLYI84pK4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkvOXZRJprmFg7M9NFY09zHjGhovLCzKW6InsqP28PX03v3j9HTMShMvGQbPgGCOnidQztOy53c8wklMen1NEgn9x2pgG_C9CP3JQxmxjwtAhyphenhyphenfK73BifXUwSWm9NlGWIfMoLYI84pK4/s640/PicMonkey+Collage6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made this one for a special occasion. The special occasion being that I was leaving the house for an occasion. A partaaay or a 'gathering' isn't that what it's called nowadays? Anyway it was at a swanky (cringe) underground 1940's style bar so it deserved a new dress. That was after I bought some over-priced pants that I then couldn't return when I decided only a dress would do. Anyway, the event was on a Saturday night and round about Wednesday it a seemed a perfectly do-able, even sensible idea to just 'whip up a <a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/satsuki/">Satsuki</a>'. Like an omelette!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JdZ_uzZJP7xyl8PL_TlhjzMinTImdp4NPWlZs7WXOZG05VXzBui5BxBsb5ZvhGc3dMBCowcdQjrYQMkFwBvVIvnfQ33hR6uz12BUCOPlTnHPCNRn8fKcOYmEVQLNg8_45WEpgB6gJOM/s1600/_MG_7326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JdZ_uzZJP7xyl8PL_TlhjzMinTImdp4NPWlZs7WXOZG05VXzBui5BxBsb5ZvhGc3dMBCowcdQjrYQMkFwBvVIvnfQ33hR6uz12BUCOPlTnHPCNRn8fKcOYmEVQLNg8_45WEpgB6gJOM/s640/_MG_7326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmlZdaG43EecF7qZZGD_whmGJ_RKsVDP33BsOeGXv5fjb_Q8JosBk4YcAkACPFhpAVA9V33ML0mfoBVp4mODnoX1lDckZoo3rLXjiVP1bnqV2cOjJBNSZbmnfCdOZdTs6V_5TOYgHx9U/s1600/_MG_7215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmlZdaG43EecF7qZZGD_whmGJ_RKsVDP33BsOeGXv5fjb_Q8JosBk4YcAkACPFhpAVA9V33ML0mfoBVp4mODnoX1lDckZoo3rLXjiVP1bnqV2cOjJBNSZbmnfCdOZdTs6V_5TOYgHx9U/s640/_MG_7215.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fabric is a silk crepe de chine from <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">here</a>. I know it's all silk this, silk that these days but the ratio of silks to cottons (and other perfectly <i>practical </i>fibres) that we get in is pretty high. Anyway, I really loved this pattern, I mentioned <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/project-sewn-week-two-lets-pretend-its.html">here </a>how it nips you in at the right bits and I think it's a style that flatters a huge variety of figures. It's put together really nicely too and I appreciated the lessons learned in hemming curved sections of seams by pulling a thread. My only gripe is that being a bit round shouldered, my shoulders never seem to poke through the little cutouts, which creep to the back so the dress is heavily 'arranged' in these pics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1lcS73eO9J7-ut1KMeoPkq8nHgTcJ8fCIfIz4AfrgUPhJImpP9hOIEimyLEylwPVZ5C-knF6cXnRJm-AvOgea251GWgP1bCMnS2Osn3VhuF3G-SzJls0wmGLgJX7SJwXCrRSYfvjNAQ/s1600/_MG_7190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1lcS73eO9J7-ut1KMeoPkq8nHgTcJ8fCIfIz4AfrgUPhJImpP9hOIEimyLEylwPVZ5C-knF6cXnRJm-AvOgea251GWgP1bCMnS2Osn3VhuF3G-SzJls0wmGLgJX7SJwXCrRSYfvjNAQ/s640/_MG_7190.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Well it wasn't exactly 'whipped up', I finished it on the night of said event, pretty much on the way out the door and did a double fold hem because I was already running late. So not the delicate hand-stitching this fabric probably deserved but what's a girl to do. I highly recommend this one. It also makes up into a top, check out <a href="http://crabandbee.com/">Crab and Bee's</a> <a href="http://crabandbee.com/2013/04/15/shibori-satsuki/">lovely shibori dyed version</a>. I had a good time before I hit my wall and just wanted to be at home in bed. Or sewing. #antisewcial</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-76549520862771321452013-10-02T11:11:00.002+10:002013-10-02T11:13:53.169+10:00Contents Highly Addictive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsmlOolQEZlVYNZyIVwFghSBHD_TvK4JL2X2_g-odsfvyGdTEbHfhNAWRFowilPYosqwCzCHVjeG9wvOgKMunrIwJ1960TXtxUDOqz-s-Ot6_LCciGf7sRTYTRzCekm5skktO3kmlg-U/s1600/YAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsmlOolQEZlVYNZyIVwFghSBHD_TvK4JL2X2_g-odsfvyGdTEbHfhNAWRFowilPYosqwCzCHVjeG9wvOgKMunrIwJ1960TXtxUDOqz-s-Ot6_LCciGf7sRTYTRzCekm5skktO3kmlg-U/s640/YAY.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I'm bringing home a fun no-sew project I shared for <a href="http://bugaboominimrme.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/gift-it-good.html">Bugaboo Mini, Mr & Me's hand-made gift series</a>. Hand-made gifting is tricky territory and from experience they can fall into one of two categories: Awesome or Popsicle-Stick-Photoframe. Since taking up the sport of cover button hair pinning I've made and gifted, hmm, close to thirty sets. I'm pretty sure each time the 'wow' has come before the 'did you make that?' which we all know is the best case scenario for a hand-made gift. For something that takes less than five minutes to put together, they look pretty un-handmade when you're done. Plus you get to do some scrap-busting in the process. Make them pretty or funny or yummy but head this warning: once you pop...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIRo_-NG5RohD9Fhp5q0sxhMuXJqycpTTceQwf98ZNfLVUgsjstgwFfLrRCjuipr66AEsR-WzLfMtcYWvhz3h7FtZXMuGROiT14K4OrKYrNgbhWYVVD8yjQO-4V75y0nIr2CzlA26XcY/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIRo_-NG5RohD9Fhp5q0sxhMuXJqycpTTceQwf98ZNfLVUgsjstgwFfLrRCjuipr66AEsR-WzLfMtcYWvhz3h7FtZXMuGROiT14K4OrKYrNgbhWYVVD8yjQO-4V75y0nIr2CzlA26XcY/s640/d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdIi9Wm3Ltnvohsw-TJ0qAgft5YV1w1vL0jUESXFCcZwloFc7TcSS8BGE8McJIWoNlPLuJVLwYzfaajoxekxlgFFNjYDpJsbsJjdl7ipIzwfOMzy877G6hxQmS3ohZdLooBozoGZ5h7Q/s1600/j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdIi9Wm3Ltnvohsw-TJ0qAgft5YV1w1vL0jUESXFCcZwloFc7TcSS8BGE8McJIWoNlPLuJVLwYzfaajoxekxlgFFNjYDpJsbsJjdl7ipIzwfOMzy877G6hxQmS3ohZdLooBozoGZ5h7Q/s640/j.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...you wont stop! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYASWye7U8Njkf08kdfLBhOws0e7m0z_3tMugFtFx86y3o3y9jsxukFrHQP3q-MLbN9UMlUUrGuJwSHzLHORbIuuGD9g3dfbT3GwjHVaVZ2-OM5iZT4xu5l8-gUcnP54HLCpgHEgNtxZI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYASWye7U8Njkf08kdfLBhOws0e7m0z_3tMugFtFx86y3o3y9jsxukFrHQP3q-MLbN9UMlUUrGuJwSHzLHORbIuuGD9g3dfbT3GwjHVaVZ2-OM5iZT4xu5l8-gUcnP54HLCpgHEgNtxZI/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The set up</i></span></div>
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For this easy project you will need <i>flat back</i> self-cover buttons (regular buttons have a shank back and won't stick to your pins). Each button is made up of a round smooth piece which becomes the front of the button (bottom right) and a flat piece which presses into the back (bottom left). A range of sizes work well for this project, these buttons here measure 28mm in diameter but I have also used the slightly small 23 mm (cute for small florals). If you were making earings / studs you go smaller still. The tool you need to make your buttons (top left) is made up of a 'pusher' and a 'holder'. Depending on where you source your flat-back buttons, the tools may come included or can be bought separately. The easiest way to get started, in my opinion is to buy a 'kit' with the buttons, tools and hair pins included. Etsy is a great place for all the self-cover buttons you could ever want for and I got all the buttons / tools / glue / pins you see above from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/bjandlee">here</a>.</div>
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You will also need hair pins with a 'glue pad' and you can choose between silver, brass or bronze. I've used both the brass and the silver and they both add something different. Once again, Etsy is a mecca for '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=bobby%20pins%20glue%20pad&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ">hair pins with glue pad</a>'. Now, a word on glue. E6000 is the BEST and you could be lucky enough that your local craft dealer otherwise you can get it online. Which is the case for me and I ran out after the last button making festivities so here I'm using some regular craft glue, which does the job but E6000 it gives the best results and the strongest hold. This is the perfect project for using up those scraps, small prints work well and if you are low on those you can started out buying<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=scrap%20bag&view_type=gallery&ship_to=GB"> scrap bags</a> just for this purpose on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=kawaii%20scrap%20bag&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=GB">Etsy</a>. 'Kawaii scrap bag' wields awesome results!<br />
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Find a little spot of magic on your fabric with cover button potential....</div>
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Cut a rough circle around this part that is approx 3/8" bigger than diameter of the self cover button. </div>
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You can see here the size of the fabric circle in relation to the button...and no biggie if it's not a perfect circle, we will trim later.</div>
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Place the fabric circle face down over the 'holder'.</div>
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Put the smooth round side of the button face down on top of the fabric.</div>
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Press to the bottom and let the fabric curl in around itself.</div>
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If you have any extra long sections you might want to re-align the fabric up and try again (only important if trying to center a print) otherwise just trim of the longish part.</div>
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Grab a flat piece and place over the top, tucking all the fabric in underneath.</div>
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Place the 'pusher' over the top and press with all ye might until you feel a little 'pop' (hopefully not you).</div>
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Push that baby out...</div>
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Naaaawwww! It's a dog!</div>
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If you're making a pair of hair pins, follow all the steps again up to this point. You could even play with a little narrative and pair a girl and a dog, a cat and a bird cage etc.</div>
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Place a dab of glue onto glue pad and press firmly onto back of button.</div>
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Leave to dry.</div>
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Poke some holes in a piece of card, wack them on, gently and that's it...the perfect hand-made gift, made with love and scraps.</div>
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But don't be surprised when you feel the urge to make a few...</div>
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...hundred more!</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-1100164375630466472013-09-26T18:41:00.001+10:002013-09-26T18:50:18.028+10:00One for the lads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv4QGI_n9ylubAhrB-Bll9sErkxpfQ9PgHCSVkLO0hT9j3KIBHDdcskuNVSgjiZEKATp-X-Tx7V40KcDmOLMBFbWHILeHG3tH7j5n6IMxU5FJoBLClItRLWz1wwWYUGswtNUKILrP7R0/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv4QGI_n9ylubAhrB-Bll9sErkxpfQ9PgHCSVkLO0hT9j3KIBHDdcskuNVSgjiZEKATp-X-Tx7V40KcDmOLMBFbWHILeHG3tH7j5n6IMxU5FJoBLClItRLWz1wwWYUGswtNUKILrP7R0/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCjKIdU3HErREXalXHKzj_xqcTWqrbNVnVO-BIWpH4Sdw9ds6Vk4DLXP7aVgcYAmt-XQffW7ir_HyKduwvHGnxXBf9d-lMihyphenhyphenJtwz_xIIdUZDZ-DQYzLERrzDaYyIwQEufxkgjZbpIJs/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCjKIdU3HErREXalXHKzj_xqcTWqrbNVnVO-BIWpH4Sdw9ds6Vk4DLXP7aVgcYAmt-XQffW7ir_HyKduwvHGnxXBf9d-lMihyphenhyphenJtwz_xIIdUZDZ-DQYzLERrzDaYyIwQEufxkgjZbpIJs/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been a while hasn't it? I feel like I've dropped off the kiddo sewing bandwagon. It's not that I don't love sewing for my boys anymore, but more the fact that I'm working in a fabric store, surrounded only by apparel fabric for adults. That and the thrills I get from the challenge of sewing adult clothes that, on a good day, can look not so distinguishable from store bought stuffs, may have something to do with it. Every week is selfish sewing week over here! But I do miss boy sewing, and it was totally refreshing to be back playing with thriftstore t-shirts, unlikely prints and weird iron-on transfers, testing out a new kids pattern, the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/157619501/the-bateau-neck-top-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active">Bateau Neck Top pattern</a> by <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2013/07/sewing-bateau-neck-top-pattern-giveaway.html">Aesthetic Nest</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN75eu233HuPf54ZDTWeCLYa9RWQRwrcgp75zjYWah9kpri8Z-nZdLsiMHajgbdlNU78ptsSP8GfqVbGRmBM_LYYwIYZBhOBcdVPIrjLt8T1ZAfKoPbU1ABBy5OTJxfiAiOxVSuHc_3I/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN75eu233HuPf54ZDTWeCLYa9RWQRwrcgp75zjYWah9kpri8Z-nZdLsiMHajgbdlNU78ptsSP8GfqVbGRmBM_LYYwIYZBhOBcdVPIrjLt8T1ZAfKoPbU1ABBy5OTJxfiAiOxVSuHc_3I/s640/7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I love a good neutral pattern and when I checked out all the cute girl versions of the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/160312469/girls-dress-pattern-bateau-neck-dress?ref=related-4">Bateau </a>I wondered what <a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/">Anneliese </a>thought I would do with such a cute 'pretty' looking pattern. Didn't she know I come from the land of trucks and testicles? Anyway turns out she had this all in mind and lured me in with the challenge of coming up with a boy-ish <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/160312469/girls-dress-pattern-bateau-neck-dress?ref=related-4">Bateau</a>. I didn't have to try very hard to make it look 'boyish', the Bateau is actually cleverly drafted to be quite a gender neutral shape, much like the <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/stuff-n-stay-to-keep-villains-at-bay.html">Oliver and S Sailboat top</a>. There are lots of cute add-ons like ruffles and pleats and a dress extension that I didn't think Hudson would appreciate so I just made him a straight up Bateau with the addition of a lizard king, in a size 4. He is 2, but a whopper and currently sharing some of Archie's sized 4-5 clothes, so it made sense.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ATA4-1IcjKtoNbiTK_1mnQMGg8wB7sGErILJwgdFRma31DJl9LyPx4JwAWjesYIJaX7VyGASP8BjFM7VID3N3y7FJtjL1Qy7u-3i79j7lSbY6pwtLrc4v3SKpy3_dAOEfLyQlyAkDPU/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ATA4-1IcjKtoNbiTK_1mnQMGg8wB7sGErILJwgdFRma31DJl9LyPx4JwAWjesYIJaX7VyGASP8BjFM7VID3N3y7FJtjL1Qy7u-3i79j7lSbY6pwtLrc4v3SKpy3_dAOEfLyQlyAkDPU/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The main fabric is a Nani Iro knit, the back a thrift store knit and the sleeves cut from one of his baby sweaters. Something else I'd forgotten about sewing for kids is how much faster everything is. These days, 'whipping' something up equates to half a days sewing. That's instead of a week. So the Bateau takes no time at all, probably an hour from start to finish and quicker still when you're pinching already hemmed parts! I loved that the neckline is faced and not attaching ribbing was a pleasure. The royal lizard made an appearance with some <a href="http://www.lesleyriley.com/store.php?cat=4">Leslie Riley Artist transfer paper</a> (print it out, iron it on ) except this was the second attempt because the first lizard was about six months old and didn't take to the fabric at all. So if you're going to use this stuff, print it fresh.<br />
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Oh now I remember, it was the blurry photos that did my head in!</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-55910322299349378002013-09-18T21:07:00.000+10:002014-04-02T13:51:09.305+10:00Solids Experiment #3 and #4<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwa4t1e1i-s0HhufdLfMu-w-uFTXASF8JZZov-1fPaitnyj_5d9ThazN6r-aLo3YBVuLm3QCO4rUXzi7R1DaJFuEUJcW8dm36mThI6kcIGN0cfTZjQ8DdxK8cE1luRq9xoDZ07SGRyu4/s1600/IMG_7196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwHs9HeHBoUUvp08Yi7AQJXtx9benyjYnTMCOspEOsqkTarQ6uoQPVq2YK_1QJd33_BPArZ9XYaYH43R9RbGz9wi9_TfGb93G_6wJ_JL03ecofjaYhUNze-o7DNdlQG4aXehrbQIJYJc/s1600/IMG_7134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwHs9HeHBoUUvp08Yi7AQJXtx9benyjYnTMCOspEOsqkTarQ6uoQPVq2YK_1QJd33_BPArZ9XYaYH43R9RbGz9wi9_TfGb93G_6wJ_JL03ecofjaYhUNze-o7DNdlQG4aXehrbQIJYJc/s640/IMG_7134.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This post should actually read 'The Boring Black Shorts'. Because they are! The plainest, most unexciting, unadventurous item of clothing made so far. I bought this fabric quite a while ago, purely for it's good bottom weight and nice feel. Technical! And now that I think about it, a plain black linen cotton seems a pretty unlikely purchase for a print fiend. Maybe at the time I already knew the closet was headed towards print Armageddon. But the thing about the boring black shorts is they're actually pretty awesome. Pretty and awesome, even. First of all, with just a few mods this pattern gives a fit that you can be hard pressed to find in a store bought short. Second, they're just a good looking pair of shorts, that rare variety you could even wear with a heel. And don't get me wrong, I love my minty polka dot pair but now in a solid I'm really appreciating this pattern and all its charms: welt pockets, side pockets, subtle scallops, top-stitching etc. And more surprising still, the boring black shorts have inspired a whole new flurry of sewing activity: things to wear with them, like this top.</div>
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<i><b>Pattern</b></i>: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/71096808/scalloped-hem-shorts-pdf-pattern">Sweet Scalloped shorts </a></div>
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<i><b>Fabric: </b></i>Linen- cotton- lycra blend. </div>
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<i><b>Sizing</b>: </i>xs, same as<a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/lace-crop-mint-shorts.html"> this pair</a>. If between sizes, go down and especially if fabric has width-ways stretch.</div>
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<i><b>Mods</b>:</i> The usual for this pattern; 3/8" off the sides and a wedge off sides of back pieces, where hips are would fill out if I were endowed some. I shaved a little off the hem of the back pieces, about 1/4".<br />
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Do you ever find yourself spending all this time dreaming up the perfect 'to-sew' list only to have something totally random pop up and skip to the front? I think it's called 'inspiration' and it is does not care about my carefully curated mental sewing queue. This top was one such pusher-inner. I've been noticing this silhouette <i>around </i>lately, 'around' being code for Pinterest, my only real source of what's going on out there, fashion wise. Lots of cute cropped length tees and tanks with midi skirts and high waist shorts and heaps of this neckline that I can only best describe as looking like a halter but not. Its an interesting shape and cut-right you can wear a cross-over bra with this style and being able to don a semi-normal bra seems to be my green light go ahead these days. When the Hannah Top popped up in my feed, it was one of those beautiful moments where trend and pattern became one.</div>
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<i>Pattern</i> // <a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/collections/top-patterns/products/digital-sewing-pattern-hidden-button-shirt">Salme Patterns 'Hannah' Top.</a></div>
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<i>Fabric </i>// <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">Sandwash Silk from here</a>.</div>
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<i>Size </i>// No games played, just a straight 8 according to measurements. </div>
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<i>Mods </i>// Removed darts and added width to front piece from armpit to waist in their place. Shortened to cropped length. Took 1/4" off neckline. To cover bra straps, I widened shoulder straps approx 3/8" and slightly changed the shape of the front piece curve. But don't be put off by what sounds like a nightmare on mod street, all these tweaks came out of the first and only muslin (which did happen to be a print, mind).<br />
<i>Other Bits and Bobs</i> // French seamed back and sides, hand-stitched invisible hem (which I will now pull out and sew with a teensy weensy hem) and self cover button for closure. I made the button loop by sewing down the length of a strip of bias , then cutting off excess which is a good shortcut to remember.</div>
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The pattern has a full facing, which means no lining and no visible top-stitching and makes the whole finish ultra tight and neat. You do have to add seam allowances though. I made a cotton muslin, tried it on with the boring black shorts and decided the proportions looked much better if the top was cropped about 5"-6" shorter. I tweaked a few bits of the pattern mentioned above, jumped right in with the silk and then it was all very obvious that cotton made nice flat darts and silk made pointy nipple darts. Not impressed. Slashing and flattening the darts upon <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/06/french-darts-cautionary-tale.html">Gerties advice</a> didn't fix the problem, maybe because the problem was the silk not the dart shape. So as a last resort I ironed interfacing over the darts which did flatten them and might have been a completely genius idea except you could see a the outline from the right side. So, on the verge of mega tanty I re-drafted the front without darts, kind of like the difference between the Grainline tiny pocket tank (darted) and the Wiksten Tank (no darts). I ignored the dart by pinning it shut, added a tiny bit of extra width to each side of the front piece, petering out to just the seam allowance at the waist. Anyway it worked I think because the silk is drapey enough and the top is a loose-ish shape.<br />
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Well, that's it, the end of the <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/hand-made-closet-101-print-v-solid.html">Solids Experiment</a>. I'm free! And I don't want to go! I kinda wish I made it 'the next six garments' now I'm all inspired. There's quite a few pieces I want to sew before I run back into the arms of beloved prints. But maybe we will have a more balanced relationship now, prints and I. Getting everyone's perspectives on prints vs. solids was eye-opening and comforting to know there are so many of us of the print-happy variety. Not being able to touch a print meant having to look in not the usual spots for inspiration, at things like shape of clothes, details and obviously color. And I wonder whether, if I wasn't 'on solids' when I spotted this top pattern, would I have looked twice at it? </div>
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Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-28842614473534686552013-09-10T22:04:00.002+10:002013-09-10T22:11:24.897+10:00Solids Experiment #1 and #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey hey! Presenting piece one and two of the <a href="http://cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/hand-made-closet-101-print-v-solid.html">sewing solids experiment</a>. Which I will no longer be tagging as #solid<b>sex</b>periment on Instagram. I really enjoyed the change from print to plain colors. It's had me looking at the stash with new eyes and making good color choices, mostly. And I got to try out two patterns by new kid on the block<a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/"> Named Patterns</a>. If you haven't already fallen in love, check them out. Pretty much, you could make an entire wardrobe just from their patterns alone, mixing up prints and solids forever-ever and not get bored. They're classic but on trend, feminine but not fluffy and are very very wearable. My particular favorites are the<a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/dresses/products/lane-slip"> Lane slip</a> and <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/tops/products/blair-batwing-shirt">Blair Batwing</a> you see here, the <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/tops/products/laurie-striped-tee">Laurie T-shirt</a>, the <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/dresses/products/julian-knit-dress">Julian knit dress</a> and I cannot wait to try my hand at the <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/trousers/products/jamie-jeans">Jamie skinny jeans</a> (finally a good looking pattern). Check out<a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/2013/09/jamie-jeans/"> this version </a>by <a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/2013/09/jamie-jeans/">Very Purple Person</a>.</div>
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They're also not especially cheap, more like mid-range which I suppose is why I had certain expectations of them. I can deal with print-out tape-together patterns. I can even deal with print-out, tape-together patterns that need to be traced but at between $13 and $25-$35 aud a pop, some diagrams among the instructions would have gone down real well (That's what Burdastyle is for, right?). And not to undervalue that amount of time and energy that goes into the art of drafting and producing sewing patterns but anyone who sews them up, especially visual learners, knows that diagrams are your friends. So that's my only gripe and not to be put off, they are beautiful patterns and I will definitely 'invest' in more... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyucCV_3WAbwD-7D35WEWoCnwADSfgOTQ7wd7ytvdVorPM-ulaoGC6SOyZmFtETjBHPMcvm-R4R4E-JcMljCRmSQ9merQijuLvFrDCNjrL7oT5BZ5AF7pkF1LMYbrXaXVTeUiUpkfvlY/s1600/03_09_2013_Sophie-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyucCV_3WAbwD-7D35WEWoCnwADSfgOTQ7wd7ytvdVorPM-ulaoGC6SOyZmFtETjBHPMcvm-R4R4E-JcMljCRmSQ9merQijuLvFrDCNjrL7oT5BZ5AF7pkF1LMYbrXaXVTeUiUpkfvlY/s640/03_09_2013_Sophie-160.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Pattern: <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/tops/products/blair-batwing-shirt">Blair Batwing</a> by Named Patterns</i></div>
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<i>Fabric: Merino Jersey from <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">The Fabric Store</a> (just opened up in LA)</i></div>
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In hindsight this was not the best color choice for me. I could be wrong, but to rock neon I think you need to have a solid tan. However, I was inspired by the khaki / yellow neon combination of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/8303580533110040/">this outfit</a> and just decided to ignore the obvious difference in our skin hues. I love the shape of this top, have been wearing it every thrice-weekly and plan to give it several brothers and sisters in due time. It's a higher neckline than I normally go for which works well with my new attempt to preserve the skin on my decolletage. I got badly burnt last summer so now I'm going to be a whitey and cover up. I also really like the fit of the top, it's slouchy but not baggy, with cute batwing sleeves and looks great with pendants. I'd like to make anothery in a solid and also some stripes...post <a href="http://cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/hand-made-closet-101-print-v-solid.html">solids experiment</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Prc9GzeTHIsSWLtUeXaMNoDB2DoSLBxZTvsCsmyJ8GDpWP2-wfYhQs2BKd3LzhX6l_jSM0cjVFgte7XbqRK1KqGSjXZcvQp2VeDLnat-CSnEuvfHZlaC-PwRYo0ZZIDpAl_0PlNiRw/s1600/03_09_2013_Sophie-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-Prc9GzeTHIsSWLtUeXaMNoDB2DoSLBxZTvsCsmyJ8GDpWP2-wfYhQs2BKd3LzhX6l_jSM0cjVFgte7XbqRK1KqGSjXZcvQp2VeDLnat-CSnEuvfHZlaC-PwRYo0ZZIDpAl_0PlNiRw/s640/03_09_2013_Sophie-170.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I changed a little in the construction and added binding to the neckline and pinched the strips from the <a href="http://jamiechristina.com/products/mission-maxi-sewing-pattern">Mission Maxi pattern</a>. Because this knit is flimsy I didn't think it would look good folded under and top-stitched like the pattern suggests. But then afterwards I didn't like the look of the binding so I folded it under again and top stitched, which took it back to the start except now it's sturdier and the finish is really nice. I'd probably do the same thing again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDwHpeC7N7KzmKzAnG3yMEaDoglydTu9NsmpPOH_Pm4idW1EuoorV7pNItKI9f3T3CFUAFbo7Nk7KUMjyWMTTnz9AV2SdlwXM6dh7DSm_exDy8lIo-dI8QTa7GflyiQHy6fHlmC4R4ek/s1600/03_09_2013_Sophie-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDwHpeC7N7KzmKzAnG3yMEaDoglydTu9NsmpPOH_Pm4idW1EuoorV7pNItKI9f3T3CFUAFbo7Nk7KUMjyWMTTnz9AV2SdlwXM6dh7DSm_exDy8lIo-dI8QTa7GflyiQHy6fHlmC4R4ek/s640/03_09_2013_Sophie-174.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO6dO6Xji6fNXCQ4toKSxi6gst-C4NOk6ltWtLAeS1BZQ51oOcdyP82DDW_2ii4AhB4Of-cBEbSdDEr1ZhVpH-oQntm_k-6UjF-YF7Y9eL9fxCiNxkUk0lux_Imtqf3Z3oPTZO8bm2tA/s1600/03_09_2013_Sophie-179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO6dO6Xji6fNXCQ4toKSxi6gst-C4NOk6ltWtLAeS1BZQ51oOcdyP82DDW_2ii4AhB4Of-cBEbSdDEr1ZhVpH-oQntm_k-6UjF-YF7Y9eL9fxCiNxkUk0lux_Imtqf3Z3oPTZO8bm2tA/s640/03_09_2013_Sophie-179.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Pattern: <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/collections/dresses/products/lane-slip">Lane slip</a> by Named patterns</i></div>
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<i>Fabric: Wool lycra jersey from <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">The Fabric Store</a></i></div>
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I nearly killed this dress. Not in a malicious act. Just an unwillingness to step away from the machine when tired. I've been feeling crapola lately, chest infections, bee stings, all those fun things and my sewing capacity has waned. Normally I'm a kids-are-in-bed-hit-the-sewing-machine sewer but some nights I've just had to crash. Anyway, long sob story short, I adjusted this dress to within an inch of it's life when I should have walked away and now its royally toit. You can probably see my lunch being digested. The design of the dress is a very lovely slip with a very low back and I thought I would outsmart it with the bra thing. I decided to erect a built in bra with cups and all, using some cups from a sports top I own, painstakingly placing them evenly, sewing them into a separate facing and adding an elastic shelf underneath. It was a feat of sewing architecture and looked bloody amazing. And then when I tried it on, of course there was nothing to actually pull the elastic taut so the whole bra contraption bunched up out the front like some hideous growth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvuBaDkXaKZ4IgJDZ8GLEYoC-wvAMaAk4b656NM0nNl_JeAMMQvtDq3mp0DPK7VcKMnPgn71vNPNuOLbkf-OqJE0Hc9MDQs_pe0OOrsNF1KpX5HuOQV2fSShMY0dT0zPu-WLAnJzdDz8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvuBaDkXaKZ4IgJDZ8GLEYoC-wvAMaAk4b656NM0nNl_JeAMMQvtDq3mp0DPK7VcKMnPgn71vNPNuOLbkf-OqJE0Hc9MDQs_pe0OOrsNF1KpX5HuOQV2fSShMY0dT0zPu-WLAnJzdDz8/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Part two, I took the elastic out, which left a dress with cups in the front and not really anything to hold them up. In which case I would need to wear a bra, so I decided to change the back and make the scoop higher. So I just sewed a seam right up the back. Only I didn't bother to pin because of the reckless downward spiral I was on by that stage. And I sewed it wonky. And so I sewed it again, straighter, which ate up a good portion of the back piece in the process and now it is okay for beach, not okay for school pick-up. I tried it on with a bra, realized the ridiculousness of wearing a dress with cups and a bra underneath, and abandoned the bra. And now I wear it sans bra, minimally supported. The end. So, not a complete disaster. I actually really love this dress and will definitely make another, maybe with a shallow scoop at the back and an extra inch on the length. Before the meddling, the fit was good and the shape of the neckline and knee-length are really flattering. I also added binding to the armholes and neckline following the instructions from the Mission maxi, folded it under and top-stitched again like the top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLI6i2MnwhiLiikZjpHkqwCQRH0nnagw_bEuwJLPDsRcQvTj9ABwATC1mo8cxwPDY4m0NsDV414-ueaHmFXHW_S6j-GKCDPN7ocR0RN4mVOocWYXfu35Gk0MoO6rdnnDzv8e1GaJAJAs/s1600/03_09_2013_Sophie-167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLI6i2MnwhiLiikZjpHkqwCQRH0nnagw_bEuwJLPDsRcQvTj9ABwATC1mo8cxwPDY4m0NsDV414-ueaHmFXHW_S6j-GKCDPN7ocR0RN4mVOocWYXfu35Gk0MoO6rdnnDzv8e1GaJAJAs/s640/03_09_2013_Sophie-167.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Something interesting, in abandoning prints I've feel like I've been noticing more about the design and shape of clothes and appreciating nice details, like a batwing sleeve, which would normally get over-shadowed by prints. It's also prompted me take a look at what's in my wardrobe currently to see which solid colors could be introduced to go with all the prints. Neon yellow is not one of them. It goes with this dress and nothing else. But it was a whim, you know those ones where you throw everything you know about what suits you to the wind?! Out of my system now...</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-27196083032771004502013-09-05T11:38:00.000+10:002013-09-05T11:38:17.360+10:00Sew that fall trend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb5_e3Op0sTCvSuEwWeYGaRPu2AOEWaRFc67QUHbOTsqVX7f_eHlWLQi6HArHLqQskyt7d9YkmEnQr1ccfyGglu8eGkhOWaUTd5aj38LjHP3xYLvdrHx6_OTGND-OWwluKeeASKZpV-A/s1600/TEASER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb5_e3Op0sTCvSuEwWeYGaRPu2AOEWaRFc67QUHbOTsqVX7f_eHlWLQi6HArHLqQskyt7d9YkmEnQr1ccfyGglu8eGkhOWaUTd5aj38LjHP3xYLvdrHx6_OTGND-OWwluKeeASKZpV-A/s640/TEASER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/oversized-cardigan-072013">one </a>/ <a href="http://www.freepeople.co.uk/whats-new/oversized-parka/">two </a>/ <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28607646&parentid=W_OUTERWEAR">three</a></span></div>
Can you believe the next season of <a href="http://www.projectsewn.com/">PROJECT SEWN</a> is almost here?! I cannot wait to see who's in the lineup and this time follow along at a less maniacal pace. Maybe it will be like a sympathetic pregnancy and I'll re-live all the nail-biting experiences along with the contestants. And since we'll be in a different season this time around I'm looking forward to seeing how it influences the sewing, whether we will see more cool weather garments or not. To get everyone in the mood, over the next few days Project Sewn will be featuring a handful of bloggers sharing their scope on fall fashion. Today I'm <a href="http://www.projectsewn.com/2013/09/fall-fashion-trend-with-sophie-from.html">sharing of few of my fav fall trends</a> and sewing patterns to match....Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-7346577184030142342013-08-25T17:51:00.002+10:002013-08-26T16:01:36.307+10:00Hand-made Closet 101: Print v Solid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMF1_Aev24lrVqZbNF0xFSxcHmiUlTq1yuGtq7TtFhywWVMGWUUaw84VTzx0sgFSN5-yX_76OIAhhAyVqWvsVj7By8bKNeUP6hnF71xvG9tjqgNxFRhX-oUgg4VbZiuuYmlzez_IxK04/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMF1_Aev24lrVqZbNF0xFSxcHmiUlTq1yuGtq7TtFhywWVMGWUUaw84VTzx0sgFSN5-yX_76OIAhhAyVqWvsVj7By8bKNeUP6hnF71xvG9tjqgNxFRhX-oUgg4VbZiuuYmlzez_IxK04/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I have this dilemma right now and when I say right now I mean since the beginning of all this sewing a hand-made wardrobe business. I like prints. I like them a lot. But the situation in my closet is this. I open it up in the morning and do you think I feel inspired? No, I am bowled over by the print army. To be fair, the culprits are not just hand-made items but this is them alone, so you can imagine what the rest is like. I've just finished off a few bits and pieces and attended to a 6-month old pile of mending so a fresh space is cleared for a whole new batch of projects. Only, I want to make good wardrobe choices and know that I will love to wear these things I'm about to slave over. Time for a little pre-sew closet research....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei3GkvJvSL2dv7DHioXbBCwGIcztK1XJIbgno_d9KtzS3FtGgv5M6M4_7OkOaDo6ixOniH6CVgkd7mp753dhw8G0ZSYE-fhqLbeVulRSUpFCm0JBcMOaYqYEDRy3Y0A12EUiqsHWcxbE/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei3GkvJvSL2dv7DHioXbBCwGIcztK1XJIbgno_d9KtzS3FtGgv5M6M4_7OkOaDo6ixOniH6CVgkd7mp753dhw8G0ZSYE-fhqLbeVulRSUpFCm0JBcMOaYqYEDRy3Y0A12EUiqsHWcxbE/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This, my friends, is the print situation. Is it any wonder I sometimes feel pukey in the morning? (not pregnant!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCnMfpmUJu_M0-t8UtlDPO3hsDtQwJVPTiXvfbfioTiNW-_UgmbtrGx9ocxAmFfhTZRwE2XDyiB-aa8pGfk26dKcx33SKLxWO-ppVbKLtpDUSZVLyHTnzSk6b-QepyUEac9jIABD0V3o/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCnMfpmUJu_M0-t8UtlDPO3hsDtQwJVPTiXvfbfioTiNW-_UgmbtrGx9ocxAmFfhTZRwE2XDyiB-aa8pGfk26dKcx33SKLxWO-ppVbKLtpDUSZVLyHTnzSk6b-QepyUEac9jIABD0V3o/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the solids. All seven of them and two not even blogged. I've never seen them all lined up like this but can I just say, wow I have made some truly excellent color choices. Totally nailed an autumn palette without even realizing! The things is, I love solids and this winter almost passed I reached for the <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/lady-skater-pattern-tour.html">chocolate skater dress</a>, <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/back-with-briar.html">moss green Briar</a> and <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/rusty-pencil-tribal-crop.html">rust merino skirt</a> daily. And sometimes I had to be like 'Hey girl, you know you wore that yesterday... and the day before'. <span style="text-align: center;">So, it's all very well buying, making and loving prints but if you're not actually going to wear print-on-print then there needs to be solids to balance them out. And since I am mostly still sewing instead of buying clothes (with the exception of underwear, good fitting jeans and pre-menstrual impulse buys) it's not surprising that the wardrobe in it's current state is quite un-wearable. Solution? Instead of giving up prints (absurd idea) why not commit to a small chunk of time to only sewing in solid colors?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRCVr3t97Dhoq4ceMvpY3O1lxFrryqrzjWUGctVwdSc6Pz2rqmy8hCGYUn9Ob3eOd3bpzeUOXdBcsLjPPK0SLcVvFpwOrNUVEljU-N0HQmpKbBRCG2muoqPxBhrnJ5RCbVczArKE8SHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRCVr3t97Dhoq4ceMvpY3O1lxFrryqrzjWUGctVwdSc6Pz2rqmy8hCGYUn9Ob3eOd3bpzeUOXdBcsLjPPK0SLcVvFpwOrNUVEljU-N0HQmpKbBRCG2muoqPxBhrnJ5RCbVczArKE8SHQ/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okay, so here is my commitment: <i>the next four pieces of clothing I sew will be solids</i>. No stripes, no florals, no ikat, no ponies, no tribal and no woodland critters. What about printed lining...does that count? See, loopholes already. But seriously, who doesn't love a little self-imposed regimen. And rather than feeling closeted I cannot wait to go look at the stash a-fresh and get sewing. Anyone else living in a silent print-omatic nightmare? Perhaps you could play along with your own solids experiment...</div>
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Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-29135098984315494622013-08-22T21:20:00.001+10:002013-08-22T21:31:44.514+10:00DIY Convertible Swim Straps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here as promised and I do believe in record time from mouth to blog, a how-to for some alternative straps for those beloved <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">Bombshell Swimsuit</a>s. These are just your typical, thin elasticated straps which I've made detachable here but can also be sewn straight on and used on any swimsuit, obviously. There's a bit of a trick to these so don't fret if it all looks quite un-lined-up to start with. Just trust. I literally spent hours staring, like a crazy woman, at a pair of straps on a suit I own trying to figure out what kind of magnificent machine was used to get the elastic inside the straps but also <i>attached </i>to the straps from the inside. Turns out it's not a machine, just some clever placement of elastic and fabric. Read on to find out....</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">...Supplies...</span></i></div>
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Swimwear fabric</div>
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3/8" wide swim elastic</div>
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2 x clear plastic g-hooks (is the formal name for those do-hickeys that make bras convertible)</div>
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Cut two strips 20" x 1 1/4" of swimwear fabric and two 20" strips of swim elastic. Fold each piece of fabric in half lengthways, right sides facing and with raw edge to the left, mark 1/4" in from the edge. </div>
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Mark the center of each piece of elastic like so. Place elastic on top of fabric, lining up the markings and pin. You will see the elastic sits just shy of the raw edge of fabric the whole way down and that's what we want.<br />
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Pin the layers together along the length, with the raw edge of fabric to the right (so that you've got something to hold onto on the left as you sew). Position your needle over the line you marked on the elastic, which if pinned correctly will sit 2/8" in from the raw edge of swim fabric.<br />
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Using a stretch stitch (or narrow zig zag), sew elastic to fabric with a 2/8" seam. So far so good.<br />
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To pull strap out the right way, attach a safety pin to the end, catching elastic and fabric.<br />
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Now here is the fun bit. Go on, thread that elastic back through the fabric and admire the work of art that is your beautiful, flat swimsuit strap...<br />
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To finish of the ends of the straps, fold them under approx 1/2 " and secure with pins. Sew in place, ferociously, back and forth several times.. This is my bodgy bit, the straps kept getting caught on the feed dogs and moving around so props to you if you've got your stitching looking all pretty on this part. Cut off any excess fabric/ elastic. If you are bi-passing the detachable part, your straps are now read to sew on...<br />
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To attach our 'g-hooks', thread straps through the hole then back over onto themselves, pin in place, making sure you have a pair of opposites. Sew back and forth again across where you've pinned.<br />
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The next step is to making the teensy tiny loops that fix to the body of your swimsuit, where the g-hooks attach. Cut a strip of fabric roughly 3" x 1 1/4". Fold in half length ways, right sides together and pin.<br />
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Sew a 2/8" seam with stretch stitch.</div>
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Attach safety pin to one end and pull tube out the right way again.</div>
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Cut tube in half and abandon baby tubes for the moment. So, to make that little loop on the swimsuit where the g-hook will slide into, one end of these baby tubes will be attached right after attaching elastic to the top of the Bombshell (or other suit) but <i>before </i>the part where you fold that top edge down over the elastic and zig-zag the entire rim. On the Bombshell suit there are markings where the straps go (marked here with a pin) but it's a good idea to try your suit on at this point, pinning your new straps to make sure you're happy with the same placement.<br />
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Lay your suit flat with the front facing you. Take one baby tube with its center seam facing outwards and place over strap marking on suit with raw edges matching. Pin in place. Attach tube to suit with two rows of stitching, one at 2/8" from edge and one at 1/8". Stitch back and forth for reinforcement. </div>
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The last step is to make the actual loop. You can see here that I've folded the top of the swimsuit over the elastic ready for the final zig-zag stitching. Fold the baby tube over to make a loop and pin close to the raw edge of the suit. As you zig zag around the whole top of the suit, you'll catch the bottom edge of this little loop. Go back and forth several times over this spot, but making sure it's as close the edge as possible. I learnt the hard way that if you let that stitch creep up then it makes it really hard to get the bloody g-hook in there. Trim off excess fabric.</div>
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So that is it. Slide your cute straps into the loops. </div>
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Admire your handy-work.<br />
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Now get out there! Your goods ain't going nowhere...</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-73156105494143352322013-08-12T20:28:00.000+10:002013-08-12T21:11:46.092+10:00Bombshell This <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If, like me, you've been drooling over the amazing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-bathing-suit-pdf?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">Bombshell swimsuits</a> debuting around the blogosphere right now, you'll already be familiar with...'ERMYGAWWWWDDD...I made a...(insert profanity of choice) SWIMSUUUITTT!!!!'. This thing really is da bomb. And sewing it was actually ten times more fun and ten times less terrifying than I thought it would be. I mean, the intimidation factor was pretty high here. Swimsuits, lingerie and perfect-fitting jeans make up the tri-fector of those 'final frontier' garments I have mentally stowed away for later on, or at least about seven years. So, sewing an actual living breathing swimsuit is big. Sewing an actual swimsuit that fits, flatters, stays up and looks hot is bigger. And I now consider myself the proud mother of three; two boys and a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-bathing-suit-pdf?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">Bombshell</a>.<br />
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If you are reading this post, chances are you're considering sewing yourself a <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/p/bombshell-swimsuit-sewalong.html">Bombshell swimsuit</a>, in which case you are probably wondering the same things I was before beginning this one. Things like...how will it look on me? Will there be enough support? I've never worn this style before, will I feel frumpy? The answers to which are BABE-ILICIOUS, MOST LIKELY and NO. Let's start with the frump-factor. Or lack there of. This is probably the most coverage I've had on a beach since my full length sunsuit donning days (my parents tried). And I pranced about here, in the waves, in the middle of winter looking like a lunatic but feeling like an absolute mermaid-come-Marilyn Bombshell. I even shaved my legs for you guys! Feel special. But in all seriousness, I honestly believe this swimsuit is a friend to <i>all </i>women. Five years ago I wouldn't have looked twice at a one-piece but a few things have shifted since then, including the location of my belly button (details details) after two massive boys. Along with my attitude to sun protection, save turning into a leather hand-bag or a giant melanoma before fifty. So, to whatever life-changing events have led to feeling amazing in a ruched, semi-modest one-piece, I say cheers.</div>
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<b>Pattern: </b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-bathing-suit-pdf?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">Bombshell Swimsuit </a>by Heather of <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/">Closet Case Files</a></div>
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<b>Fabric:</b> A photographic beach scene printed lycra from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/">Tessuti Fabrics</a>, nylon swimwear lining from <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">The Fabric Store</a></div>
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<b>Notions</b>: Cups and swimwear elastic from <a href="http://sewsassy.com/BraProducts/bracups.html">Sew Sassy</a> as recommended.</div>
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<b>Sizing</b>: I cut a straight size 8 before reading the bit about the pattern being drafted for an average height of 5'6". Being 5'9" I freaked a little and then a little more when I saw that Lauren from<a href="http://lladybird.com/2013/06/10/the-bombshell-swimsuit-a-review-and-a-giveaway/"> Lladybird</a> made her <a href="http://lladybird.com/2013/06/10/the-bombshell-swimsuit-a-review-and-a-giveaway/">beautifully fitting Bombshell</a> in an 8. It's kind of hard to gauge height via a screen but I get the impression that her frame is on the petite side. And then compounding the fear further, while I was serging the sides of the swimsuit together I noticed the stitching had no lengthways stretch, which meant if it turned out to be a little short in the body, it couldn't just be stretched over a buttock or something. I thought I'd used the wrong tension setting but maybe it's more that an over-locking type stitch with stretch is probably the domain of a cover-stitch machine anyway. So I just had to make up my Bombshell, without adjustments and hope for the best. And I'm thanking genetics for the gift of a short torso!<br />
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If you can't already tell, I'm a bit in love with my finished B<a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-bathing-suit-pdf?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">ombshell</a>. But you know what? I enjoyed the making too...it was relaxing. Did I really just say that? This was my first time following a <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/bombshell-swimsuit-sewalong.html">Sewalong </a>and I will shout my love for them from the mountain tops! I started about a week or two behind the actual <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/bombshell-swimsuit-sewalong.html">Bombshell sewalong</a> but that's the beauty, you can come and go when you like. And being forced to break a complicated looking, seemingly impossible project down into steps is seriously good for morale! I set myself a section per night, sometimes over two nights and finishing each little part felt like the biggest accomplishment. I kept waiting for the bit where I got stuck on something mind-boggling but each step came and went and I almost forgot I was making a swimsuit. Some things took time, like gathering the fabric evenly for the ruched back and sides but even then it was nice just to plod along. And less than a week later there was a finished Bombshell sitting on my table!<br />
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Let's talk about support. If you happened to stop by while I was touching on the phenomenon of the <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/cut-out-tank-leggings.html">disappearing post-breast feeding boobs</a>, you'll know that I don't have a whole lot left to hold up. But that said, what is left, had better stay where they get put. So now with less to support, I'm thinking about support more than ever and did wonder how the Bombshell would fare. In a bikini top, I'll usually go for molding, not padding and rely on halter-neck to 'lift'. Boning and underwire don't go astray either. So, without boning or underwire or separated cups, I just kind of hoped that a combination of swim-cups, halter neck and an under-bust elastic band would be enough to hold the girls in place at the very least, since a boost-up might be asking a bit much. Even if I did put it off for a few days, adding the swim cups was fine, as was the under bust band (this tutorial by <a href="http://dixiediy.blogspot.ca/2012/07/dixiediys-summer-swimsuit-sew-along-pt_24.html">Dixie Diy was great</a>). So, how did the Bombshell hold up? As predicted it did not come with magical boob-boosting powers but still lovingly supports enough to flail around in the surf.<br />
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I decided to change the straps because I just prefer thinner, elasticated swimsuit straps. Maybe you'll agree, maybe not but I feel like when you're petite up top, a thin strap looks more delicate and a more substantial strap looks better with substantial boobage. It's possible I've spent too much time thinking about straps. I used a bandeau bikini top of mine with detachable straps for a guide and made these detachable with clasps and all, only realizing later that I'm not <i>ever </i>going to be wearing this suit strapless. I could have just sewn them on! Anyway it was a fun exercise figuring out how to make actual detachable elasticated swim-straps and I'll happily put together a tutorial if you're interested...<br />
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Did I mention the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-bathing-suit-pdf?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">Bombshell </a>is a bit cheeky?! Not scandalously so, but still, enough to give the Byron Bay locals something to talk about...</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-80712352149279895612013-08-04T11:02:00.003+10:002013-08-04T12:55:28.426+10:00Sew Bossy <br />
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I'm excited. More than normal. For a little over a month, myself and <a href="http://www.foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sew-bossy.html">this sewing blogger</a> you know and love have been 'getting bossy'. We've been sewing behind the scenes, in our various hemispheres and today we get to reveal our <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">Sew Bossy</a> outfits! So just who da what is <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">Sew Bossy</a>? Only the funnest, coolest idea ever to grace the blogosphere, by these two crazy ladies, <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/">Closet Case Files</a> and <a href="http://www.oonaballoona.com/">Oonaballoona</a>. You can read about it <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">here</a>. But basically how it works is you team up with another blogger who sews, from anywhere in the world and then exchange, via mail, all the components of a complete outfit. Pattern, fabric, notions, words of encouragement etc. It's a risk, I mean, you could absolutely love what your <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/">Sew Bossy</a> pal sends you...or you could not. But either way you HAVE to make it. That's the bossy part! So you just have to trust and know that if you adore the hand-made style of your Sew Bossy counterpart ( see <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/project-sewn-sundress-challenge.html">here </a>and <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/gingum-up.html">here</a>) then it's highly likely you're going to love what they choose for you. And that's how I waged that whatever <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sew-bossy.html">Andrea </a>from <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/">Four Square Walls</a> came up with would be awesome sauce!<br />
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Okay, so this was unimaginably fun. Getting the package in the mail; better than Christmas. Opening it up to find seriously one of the most beautiful fabrics I've ever laid eyes on; I may have squealed. Andrea, you did good girl, real good. I would have chosen this fabric for myself, except that I have never come across anything like a multi-colored, splotchy silk print anywhere. When we were setting up the <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">Sew Bossy</a> exchange <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sew-bossy.html">Andrea </a>asked if there was anything in particular I needed in my closet or wanted to make. And I really wasn't very helpful in saying 'hmm I love dresses, but mmm I do need separates'. So, she's not just a pretty face and paired up the wonder-fabric with <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/products/la-sylphide">La Sylphide</a>, by <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/">PaperCut patterns</a>. It's a cute on-the-waist, button down, tie-front dress which happens to come with blouse / skirt options. </div>
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I was majorly tempted by the skirt but in keeping with the spirit of <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">Sew Bossy</a> (which translates to me sending Andrea a complicated looking dress + a tape-together pattern) I went the dress. And though I like the few full sleeved versions I've seen around, I knew I'd get more milage out of a sleeveless version. Then it could be paired with tights, boots and cardis in winter and be cool and floaty in summer. Now, something shocking happened during the making. I had a change of heart re- muslins. Yes, it's rocked my world too that I maybe enjoyed the process of making muslins for the bodice here, just a little. Three in total. Why so many? First I cut an XS and it was too tight everywhere. I pre-judged the pattern to have lots of ease. It didn't. And because I cut not traced (bad girl) I had to estimate where the next size up would be, hence muslin no.2, which pleasingly did meet in the middle, unlike the first.<br />
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To get a really good fit some things still needed tweaking. For instance, from somewhere I picked up that to make something sleeveless its not just a matter of chopping off the sleeves, the actual shape of the armhole needs to be changed. I inspected muslin no.2 in front of the mirror and could see a wedge of fabric between the front bodice armhole and the bust point that if I pinched out would give a really nice shape to the armhole / bust section. I also took a little width out of the shoulder. On the back bodice there was also excess fabric, from top to bottom (which is more to do with the shape of my back than anything) so I pinched out a wedge 1" wide at the neckline, petering out to nothing at the bottom. I made the new adjustments to the actual pattern, which is a first, and busted out muslin no.3; a superb fit and the reason why I now will make muslins, happily. On special occasions.<br />
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In honor of the dreamboat fabric, I had to make <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/products/la-sylphide">La Slyphide </a>as pretty on the inside as the outside and line the bodice. Going mostly on what I remembered from <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/love-me-wiggle-dress.html">this dress</a> and a refresher from<a href="http://kitschycoo.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/tutorial-how-to-fully-line-bodice.html"> this tutorial</a>, it was not so hard and the finish is lovely. Oh but dramas! Now after wearing it, I can see the silk I chose for lining is so fragile its starting to split at the darts! Since lining the bodice eliminated a whole bunch of seams to finish, I decided to french seam those that were left, the skirt sides and the waistline. Apart from looking pretty, french seaming meant I didn't need to buy purple over-locker thread. I didn't really want the buttons to be a feature of the dress so I used tiny self-cover buttons, which are pretty invisible. Apart from fiddling around with the bodice the only other mods were adding 1" to the skirt length. It's pretty short and I could have even added more but the quarter circle skirt ate the fabric up. <a href="http://papercutpatterns.com/products/la-sylphide">La Slyphide</a> was such a pleasure to sew. Even when I sewed late at night, the ratio of sewing to unpicking was still considerably better than normal, which I'm putting down to a very nicely put together pattern.<br />
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The most surprising thing to come out of <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">Sew Bossy</a> for me, was how fun and refreshing it was NOT to be in control of what was going to arrive in that package! Complete and utter trust feels pretty good and I think I actually like having someone else dictate what I make / wear...so long as it not my mum (hi mum!). Now this is only half the story, the rest is over <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sew-bossy.html">here </a>at <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sew-bossy.html">Andrea's place</a>. And if you are even half tempted to do your own <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">Sew Bossy</a> exchange... don't think, just do! All the details <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/the-sew-bossy-initiative.html">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-41649305121421863112013-07-15T20:23:00.001+10:002013-07-15T21:40:33.904+10:00Lady Skater Pattern Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even if I was a little slow to cotton onto the fact that a 'skater dress' is an actual type of dress, here it is...the Lady Skater! When I first saw <a href="http://kitschycoo.blogspot.co.uk/">Kitschy Coo's</a> <a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women">Lady Skater</a> dress pattern doing the rounds, I'm sure it was like 'Oh yeah, Skater hey, cute name'. But it was only when it came time to make my Lady Skater for the tour, that I did a Pinterest search for 'skater dress' (hoping to see some finished versions of the actual pattern) and discovered all of it's long lost 'Skater' cousins from different department stores. It was a skater-fest of all sorts and I was tempted to take this pattern somewhere wild and dangerous but then I remembered it's winter and time for mooching around being cosy and understated.<br />
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I knew I would probably <i>like </i>the <a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women">Lady Skater</a>, I just didn't know I would love it this much! Let me explain, I feel like <a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women">Lady Skater</a> is the dress equivilent of the girl next door. Friendly, unassuming, says hello over the fence...that sort of kid. She's no statement piece and that's exactly why we love her. A simple knit dress with fitted bodice, flared skirt and options for cap, 3/4 or long sleeves. Being more in the pencil skirt camp and not having worn this style before, I wasn't sure how I'd like it or if it would suit. So I made a safe winter version to go with boots and tights and scarves. That was a week ago and since then it's been worn to work, out to dinner, on the plane, to school pick up and everything in between. There was not the usual fuss over whether to go a print or a solid because lately I've been noticing that the hand-made items I wear the most are the simplest, plainest basics. I love a good print, I won't lie, but the print v solid ratio is getting out of hand and making for quite an 'unwearable' wardrobe. You've got to be in the mood for prints and some mornings they swarm at me!<br />
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Given the situation I decided the best bet for making a <a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-lady-skater-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women">Lady Skater</a> that would get a lot of wear was one in a solid color, something rich and yummy and a good base for accessories. I'm not usually drawn to brown but there I was fondling fabric at work and I noticed this fabric, I've never noticed before. A random organic cotton knit with the tiniest bit of lycra, beautiful and soft and exactly the sort of thing you'd like to be draped in winter...a blanket of hot cocoa without the burn. This time I was a good girl and obeyed the sizing charts. I made a size four with a couple of mods: 2-3" added to skirt length, 1/2" sheared from bodice length to sit on the waist and sides taken in at waist about 1" each. I didn't have any clear elastic in the stash and used regular elastic for the shoulder seams and waist band. Sleeve length is something I mull over probably more than is normal. I always go for 3/4 or just above elbow sleeves, it's a comfy spot for a sleeve to sit and where cap sleeves cut you off at the widest point in your arm, 3/4 sleeves are universally flattering. These sleeves were <i>meant </i>to be 3/4 but fabric got eaten and now they're elbow length.<br />
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Okay, something that's making me a little cray cray...after all this time (well not that long) of sewing knits only now I'm having a hemming situation! Until I started sewing leggings and other things that require a neat looking hem but one that <i>also </i>has to stretch over a body part, I would just do two rows of straight stitch at 3.5 (like for kids tees). On the leggings I tried out a twin needle for the hems, which looked nice but now I'm finding the stitches are breaking when they get stretched over an ankle. Currently I am hemming parts that need to be stretched, like these sleeves, with one row of stretch stitch. Which apart from not looking that nice, keeps eating the fabric. So, given the amount of stretch sewing going on these days I'm seriously considering investing in some sort of cover stitch device...any thoughts?<br />
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The ultimate test: <i>would I double dip the Skater chip</i>? Why yes, yes I would. I love it and from all accounts a dress that loves your right back. I'd be temped to make another version in the exact same style. Or turn it into a maxi, a peplum top or some <a href="http://www.sewastraightline.com/2013/07/a-penciled-peplum-lady-skater.html">amazing peplum pencil dress</a>. A perfect base with endless styling possibilities...I bashed out this infinity scarf in about half an hour to go with my skater, using<a href="http://www.truebias.com/2012/01/tutorial-infinity-scarf.html"> this tutorial </a>from <a href="http://www.truebias.com/">True Bias</a>. And on the way to this derelict house I accidentally bought this woollen hat...I blame the skater also!<br />
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<br />Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-17774050624313092972013-07-02T08:41:00.001+10:002013-07-02T14:58:46.348+10:00Bringing home the bloomers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Way back in the never never of last year, I had a lot of fun putting this outfit together for kids sewing series <a href="http://skirtastop.com/2012/05/07/vintage-may-inspiration-modern-patterns-vintage-style/">Vintage May</a>. Sewing around a theme is fun and a theme involving cute yesteryear kiddie clothes, well that totally nails a whole bunch of fav sewing criteria in one. Today it's being shipped back home, along with it's tutorial to DIY a pair of vintage kids bloomers. Which reminds, the next season of <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/">Kids Clothing Week</a> is <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/2013/06/the-first-ever-summer-kcw/">July 15-21</a> and with no epic events looming on the other side, I will definitely be sewing! And in other news, Google reader has ceased to be and you can follow this blog via <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2642717">Bloglovin</a>. </div>
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To bust out this vintage remix I started with two modern patterns we know and love, the <a href="http://oliverands.com/digital/OLV-OS011SA.html">Oliver and S Sailboat pants</a> and Made By Rae's <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/">Flashback Skinny Tee</a>. I love a good boy in bloomers. Or a boy in good bloomers. Even if I was once a sceptic, now I'm converted...they're charming, swanky and add instant vintage. I used <a href="http://oliverands.com/digital/OLV-OS011SA.html">Oliver and S Sailboat shorts</a> as a base, piped the top edge, added two buttons instead of four, then gathered the legs to add bloomer cuffs. I saw this fabric at a thrift store and got all excited thinking it could be something authentically vintage but deep down I know it's probably more like Spotlight, circa 2011. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBDZaqV98VLKM37uYQPjHeqmHPIqUKfIUiBTzyHVSZWflVB6cfa0Rx__Qt75D7aWcEdAFkK_UUi0KhUaYuO-s4O4S_nYz3uRKxBP5ADPGTOr7-xx3p9BkE0iz2WvgXf3WTZ6BoxkrifTd/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBDZaqV98VLKM37uYQPjHeqmHPIqUKfIUiBTzyHVSZWflVB6cfa0Rx__Qt75D7aWcEdAFkK_UUi0KhUaYuO-s4O4S_nYz3uRKxBP5ADPGTOr7-xx3p9BkE0iz2WvgXf3WTZ6BoxkrifTd/s640/IMG_0673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was a time, when I had a particular fondness for poaching brand new men's shirts to re-fashion into boy's t-shirts, see <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/le-petit-touriste.html">here </a>and <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/crazy-eyez-90-minute-shirt.html">here</a>. It was totally justified, just the circle of life, supporting Etsy sellers etc etc. At some point it must have dawned that maybe was a DIY in there somewhere so I went searching for an easy, washable transfer method that didn't involve a screen print, messy solvents or the plastic-y feel of iron-on transfer paper. I discovered this stuff called <a href="http://www.lesleyriley.com/store.php?cat=4">Lesley Riley Artist Transfer Paper</a> which is worthy of an eternal happy dance. Think high quality iron-on transfer paper, matte finish, washable* (more than once) and works on knits! I found the image by searching Etsy for 'digital download' and purchased this delightful 'gentleman with antlers' from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadameBricolage">here</a>. For the shirt itself, I needed a good plain basic and made up a short sleeved <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/flashback-skinny-tee-sewing-pattern-is-here/">flashback skinny tee</a>, minus ribbing and cuffs and with edges left raw for some vintage edge...oh yeah! </div>
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*transfer image did fade over time but I suspect largely due to being washed on a normal cycle with all the other riff raff and then blasted in the sun week in week out. I'd still use it again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV003j_bwa8pTxPCtupe8soMc2pu6eDe91p6rj7cPVefY_x0n6GdJIl89VB6XgkWEumTN1MdAs-HUD0gmp_KUixZHvSFZo3Xy2nIQNA5z1at5LTQc_ZNG-puarI-T_nQJvNrOg4u0PiBcb/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV003j_bwa8pTxPCtupe8soMc2pu6eDe91p6rj7cPVefY_x0n6GdJIl89VB6XgkWEumTN1MdAs-HUD0gmp_KUixZHvSFZo3Xy2nIQNA5z1at5LTQc_ZNG-puarI-T_nQJvNrOg4u0PiBcb/s640/IMG_0736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little ensemble totally needed a fedora. I used <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74821636/fedora-style-hat-pattern-easy-to-sew-pdf">this pattern</a>, and went to town on an ugly candy stripe men's shirt. I didn't read the size guide properly until afterward, which says largest size will fit a three year old but it just fits this four year old boulder noggin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJeRlBHYuMQh3svoYT3VRTbTltDza3QFI4Ek4sQ69StJN_OioINS42HlgJXn63T-9D5EGbiOhu7SqXS3_aqq9x4Y8KY39QYdZDJmKyfcSVX6S_JJ7AeWdh7riF1cwA6XAZcDZQ8wcwSXQ/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJeRlBHYuMQh3svoYT3VRTbTltDza3QFI4Ek4sQ69StJN_OioINS42HlgJXn63T-9D5EGbiOhu7SqXS3_aqq9x4Y8KY39QYdZDJmKyfcSVX6S_JJ7AeWdh7riF1cwA6XAZcDZQ8wcwSXQ/s640/IMG_0679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Add instant vintage with a bloomer cuff </b></i></div>
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Use this tutorial to 'bloomify' any pants pattern or even ready made shorts. Before we begin, give a thought to where you'd like them to sit. Bloomers look good at many lengths and it is personal preference but for boys I'd go for on, below the knee. I don't know what it is but I don't think I'll send my four year old boy to Kindy in thigh high bloomers. But girls, yes, they can rock this length. Once you've decided, mark the new length on the pattern pieces but cut across 1/2" high than this line (we'll be adding a 1" high cuff with a 1/2" seam). Since often the front and back of pant pieces are different widths, it's easier to get the dimensions for the 'bloomer cuff' once you've made the pants up as normal (leave the legs un-hemmed).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNpClCM548pw8wWjRSf4Z84RTVKtEWapYXKo-7LYhyRZi63So-kI4miTNjEctKcXSHSY26ghG1bNZDeBiOiZfgDoW_gckKj_9ssy3qkviwdKML-9Y9neQx0hPwk8LpbPu6C7lCcOa1uj7/s1600/IMG_0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNpClCM548pw8wWjRSf4Z84RTVKtEWapYXKo-7LYhyRZi63So-kI4miTNjEctKcXSHSY26ghG1bNZDeBiOiZfgDoW_gckKj_9ssy3qkviwdKML-9Y9neQx0hPwk8LpbPu6C7lCcOa1uj7/s400/IMG_0574.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. To find your cuff length, lay your pants flat with right side facing out on top of some paper. Probably the trickiest bit of the whole thing is choosing a length for your cuff. When I made the bloomer cuff for the Basic Pocket Pants from Sew Liberated, I made the length roughly 2" less than the width of the pants. But for the Sailboat pants, I had to re-draw the cuff three times starting with it 2 " then 1" and finally 3/4" less than the pant width. When I finally realized that <i>this </i>pattern has quite a narrow leg to start with and made the cuff length finish just 3/4" less than pant width, the fit was good. Long story short, depending on your chosen pattern, your cuff length will probably measure anywhere from 1/2" less than the pant width to 2" less and this includes the 1/2 " seam allowance. If it looks too narrow for your child's leg, it probably is. Mark the edge of the pants and your cuff length (in the photo its 3/4 " less than pant width).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VeV8NrAXv_inXIgluSHPLvtUkE_eYevB4E659L_Ap5D1Dr80LHzROhMKGYaurjN0GRud4WH3hxFPAeiTwijg2lHu1nOMiudC_qpheHYz9rbdqfjvilNsCC3J0e7aPCs5XptWcRP7rBND/s1600/IMG_0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VeV8NrAXv_inXIgluSHPLvtUkE_eYevB4E659L_Ap5D1Dr80LHzROhMKGYaurjN0GRud4WH3hxFPAeiTwijg2lHu1nOMiudC_qpheHYz9rbdqfjvilNsCC3J0e7aPCs5XptWcRP7rBND/s400/IMG_0575.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. Measure 3" down from points you just marked at each end Mark another dot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-gZjuglxXkCM3qDoElUSOnWle1VDiNZhMQ1z4dm9N2HniF6XZv4vsCG2QlK5a11AQmj7xF5HCd71JMfqe9j-cT7zvcBZhu82VjL502CBbw0FZAxRw1s4n3bfH_aDX9mFWuC2elbQqUPI/s1600/IMG_0577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-gZjuglxXkCM3qDoElUSOnWle1VDiNZhMQ1z4dm9N2HniF6XZv4vsCG2QlK5a11AQmj7xF5HCd71JMfqe9j-cT7zvcBZhu82VjL502CBbw0FZAxRw1s4n3bfH_aDX9mFWuC2elbQqUPI/s400/IMG_0577.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Join the dots and you get your cuff. Mark one end as a fold and cut out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNrSwephDjvT69mbAxN4F_IIEY152bAnql3Z-LRB6qyUTVC2HxJ30vqql7eTOrPz0ls5cjH21iDQzWTtZgzx_EGVVqMtOd9aXib3_AK_NBK_E6wyAQ7JdDcGtaWWZ-cbhLhzlfeL-yr_y/s1600/IMG_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNrSwephDjvT69mbAxN4F_IIEY152bAnql3Z-LRB6qyUTVC2HxJ30vqql7eTOrPz0ls5cjH21iDQzWTtZgzx_EGVVqMtOd9aXib3_AK_NBK_E6wyAQ7JdDcGtaWWZ-cbhLhzlfeL-yr_y/s400/IMG_0572.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Cut your cuffs out on the fold. Opened out they will look like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR50l18vM39x_shwf39HTU6-VcO4iK6VCyXWzv3mGOUUlVPEsXM-A-jHNfez4LnxRbSxeX29ZLpYkkYyS2nGedWKM88IBSsvyG4JnJyGuvcXH5pY5quUHHs-a_5dApoFTGnbAXigmV3bPj/s1600/IMG_0573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR50l18vM39x_shwf39HTU6-VcO4iK6VCyXWzv3mGOUUlVPEsXM-A-jHNfez4LnxRbSxeX29ZLpYkkYyS2nGedWKM88IBSsvyG4JnJyGuvcXH5pY5quUHHs-a_5dApoFTGnbAXigmV3bPj/s400/IMG_0573.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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5. Fold each cuff in half with right sides together with short ends are matching. Pin and sew a 1/2 " seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMK0Bu8xx3D7vSK__gz8FRnIukVje14NiOJmN5BMtPiNwzNE2gV-PN7VvUqAUvS-WMucNsjVRHxnZHfY4wa1w2uABJYBunrZmX4cvGKFE0PjtK_2pwvCKeC4vqOc9iaCyLuSotZ7eiPIr/s1600/IMG_0579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMK0Bu8xx3D7vSK__gz8FRnIukVje14NiOJmN5BMtPiNwzNE2gV-PN7VvUqAUvS-WMucNsjVRHxnZHfY4wa1w2uABJYBunrZmX4cvGKFE0PjtK_2pwvCKeC4vqOc9iaCyLuSotZ7eiPIr/s400/IMG_0579.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. Press seams open.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsdhwamMeI_ZgqEGzkzNAjWH8IKmiGPygMQ9Saucznz7l6fQWsFEJzaJ13ULm6DmK4ONFDc8All0zsVIWgPVTs-LqWrhh77X0aUZHR-Z1XoVAi_3r1K0o_L7OoQNdr91jZDJjbFDi4wiL/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsdhwamMeI_ZgqEGzkzNAjWH8IKmiGPygMQ9Saucznz7l6fQWsFEJzaJ13ULm6DmK4ONFDc8All0zsVIWgPVTs-LqWrhh77X0aUZHR-Z1XoVAi_3r1K0o_L7OoQNdr91jZDJjbFDi4wiL/s400/g.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the bottom of each leg, 2/8" and 3/8" from the edge. No need to backstitch at the start and end; just leave the threads long.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsrX1hHYjTeU9z8PxKcoxD3ZGyOEEeVRI-4b72uE1uFNL_28SLx5_-SSrD3GPdHG0HY6-LA6d-W1iqtr43UnHUPeYT5Fduwf1V2X-nhHZJTelbPlrcBfLfTYt7wrMIxGGSf6rjXAA8tXu/s1600/IMG_0581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsrX1hHYjTeU9z8PxKcoxD3ZGyOEEeVRI-4b72uE1uFNL_28SLx5_-SSrD3GPdHG0HY6-LA6d-W1iqtr43UnHUPeYT5Fduwf1V2X-nhHZJTelbPlrcBfLfTYt7wrMIxGGSf6rjXAA8tXu/s400/IMG_0581.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. Holding the thread ends, pull into gathers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ279kyFLVyGmcz9kHO2fgtydhvFcrbGWoAiEGai-jv_Adk1BAO0x4jGftHx6WHam3xJpwfssntQDPY6yRe-YAh2nIaa-MljgeYDTwC-sx5tUf37S_7TMCZNztu0WsyBcmRbBuzH0-8Fj/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ279kyFLVyGmcz9kHO2fgtydhvFcrbGWoAiEGai-jv_Adk1BAO0x4jGftHx6WHam3xJpwfssntQDPY6yRe-YAh2nIaa-MljgeYDTwC-sx5tUf37S_7TMCZNztu0WsyBcmRbBuzH0-8Fj/s400/IMG_0585.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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9. With wrong side of pants facing out, slip cuff (with right side facing in) over the end, lining up the raw edges. Match the cuff seam with the inner leg seam and pin in place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij04dKUEe7GUlJElE3N-VuR6v1NBkK7MZCA9_SQGkU8UZZOHA7WdjaprCJXbIrFk7J3iw1k3ptrsFIzpfQUTOTdj6jEyjvoccP4bYa4_nbixDz6efczL29YMAoZQCOlL7vLjWP_yF0Xc9V/s1600/IMG_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij04dKUEe7GUlJElE3N-VuR6v1NBkK7MZCA9_SQGkU8UZZOHA7WdjaprCJXbIrFk7J3iw1k3ptrsFIzpfQUTOTdj6jEyjvoccP4bYa4_nbixDz6efczL29YMAoZQCOlL7vLjWP_yF0Xc9V/s400/IMG_0586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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10. Adjusting the gathers evenly as you go, pin cuff to pants and sew a 1/2 " seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSLnFqmd4thGoAtiCYOJEHm8UNhyphenhyphenlYDdyDjTnBAMmW0CnnlgN4a24yA00FM49gLqSGbsM9K7K9zLfMpB9GLEa_bSIqEcFNo0nTlecnKwMtDAbZBWJ2p9Cco0Cv9IccGwKYFfZb43knHir/s1600/IMG_0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSLnFqmd4thGoAtiCYOJEHm8UNhyphenhyphenlYDdyDjTnBAMmW0CnnlgN4a24yA00FM49gLqSGbsM9K7K9zLfMpB9GLEa_bSIqEcFNo0nTlecnKwMtDAbZBWJ2p9Cco0Cv9IccGwKYFfZb43knHir/s400/IMG_0588.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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11. Still with pants turned inside out, press the cuff and seam away from the pants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivyx7dHRsY16IjGUrNAxQANedqBGr0O2dmcGDslyXnsjD_u8nXt1PSok-l1dPS1PQ4pwsdjlf5bk5J4J958LYVPnh4r5AgtHKVhQ4VP-d7uHpMgkIAkWa3KycQOQjjktm_6QlVZrE3eiV/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivyx7dHRsY16IjGUrNAxQANedqBGr0O2dmcGDslyXnsjD_u8nXt1PSok-l1dPS1PQ4pwsdjlf5bk5J4J958LYVPnh4r5AgtHKVhQ4VP-d7uHpMgkIAkWa3KycQOQjjktm_6QlVZrE3eiV/s400/IMG_0590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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12. Trim seam allowance to 1/4 ".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaT_LfLpGE9rZe5eYH87ikaPs8Drc2k8sRzm70hVFvIow2aDFu-oW-ivOamWvav5Ne08o77Chpwh64_BHgrhDJA_ZV7MHYmqvqz8cgfJQq_SHXFbzkN7eZ6NslecsgQ0vcaCepU2-2X43/s1600/IMG_0593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaT_LfLpGE9rZe5eYH87ikaPs8Drc2k8sRzm70hVFvIow2aDFu-oW-ivOamWvav5Ne08o77Chpwh64_BHgrhDJA_ZV7MHYmqvqz8cgfJQq_SHXFbzkN7eZ6NslecsgQ0vcaCepU2-2X43/s400/IMG_0593.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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13. Press opposite side of cuff down 1/2 " as shown.</div>
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14. Fold cuff down and over outside of pants, covering up the stitching.</div>
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15. Pin in place.</div>
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16. Topstitch closed with a 1/8" seam.</div>
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17. Press cuff flat. And it's all over pavlova.</div>
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At some point he realized this man had antlers.</div>
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Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-438853577926702862013-06-27T20:15:00.000+10:002013-06-27T21:30:01.185+10:00Exciting times ahead // The Craft Sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holding onto this news has been like needing to pee really bad for several weeks with no relief! And today I can finally reveal that the BIG something is I will be participating in a special event that's literally been in the works for a couple of years, <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">The Craft Sessions</a>. Now, retreats of a crafty nature are a little thin on the ground around here. I watch wistfully, nose pressed up against the glass at the parade of blogging meet-ups, sewing retreats and amazing fabric shows overseas. And while I've been plotting the when's and how's of jumping on a plane to join the festivities, a small force of craftrapreneurial ladies have been dreaming up this exsquisite weekend of crafting and making in the Yarra Valley, outside Melbourne. Throw in some good food, wine, yoga and inspiring company...and you got yourself a retreat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n4wn8gY82GSzVbwv-rOJZw_P-QScMDAdD0uAemZ7X27otICnedeDypQBXomoQk6_fOCkmvszEurG7YqrIDwMKnVc2doIsIMNhq7OcaY91UQRLepSbpVO9JMbjL5Z1VHL4-ct0_fEreM/s1600/20130424-131-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n4wn8gY82GSzVbwv-rOJZw_P-QScMDAdD0uAemZ7X27otICnedeDypQBXomoQk6_fOCkmvszEurG7YqrIDwMKnVc2doIsIMNhq7OcaY91UQRLepSbpVO9JMbjL5Z1VHL4-ct0_fEreM/s640/20130424-131-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the craziest part of all, by participating I mean I'll be...actually leading a workshop! Alongside this bunch of unimaginably talented ladies, some of whose blog's I've been following since before I even had one:<a href="http://www.lesliekeating.com/"> Leslie</a> of <a href="http://www.lesliekeating.com/">Maze and Vale</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyhappy.typepad.com/">Melissa</a> of <a href="http://www.tinyhappy.typepad.com/">Tiny Happy</a>, <a href="http://www.tikkiknits.com/">Georgie</a> of <a href="http://www.tikkiknits.com/">Tikki Knits</a> and <a href="http://woollenflower.wordpress.com/">Jules</a> of <a href="http://woollenflower.wordpress.com/">Woollen flower</a>. Between us we span sewing, embroidery, printing, knitting, patchwork and quilting and we've been given the reigns to design and create a weekend's worth of unforgettable, bespoke workshops in each of our crafts. So, you probably know by now that I won't be at the head of the knitting workshop but I will most definitely be sharing my love of garment sewing, both for adults and kids and more details of the workshops will be released shortly. Hold tight.</div>
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The retreat will be held in late October and <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/register/">registration</a> opens early July. You can keep in touch via the <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/join-mailing-list/">mailing list</a> and / or follow the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thecraftsessions">Facebook page</a>. The <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/">Craft Sessions site</a> is a lovely reflection of the whole nature and sentiment of the retreat as one of makers, just making together. Of craft as community! You can read more about <a href="http://thecraftsessions.com/about/">how the Craft Sessions came to be, here</a>.</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-3144127598206589422013-06-25T21:19:00.002+10:002013-06-25T21:32:30.045+10:00Pajama Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpFExog_eOfH2BNhd5ydmnh0QgOr9nQRUibBVt68MC_-QGZqwUy3SwETHtQaWYyUCY85mb2CJUHcGNGoS9lFrmdCi8OVLfCK8B85-7dY861vV6wipOpOxsk6XqaJx2ibOAswBe89aNOw/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpFExog_eOfH2BNhd5ydmnh0QgOr9nQRUibBVt68MC_-QGZqwUy3SwETHtQaWYyUCY85mb2CJUHcGNGoS9lFrmdCi8OVLfCK8B85-7dY861vV6wipOpOxsk6XqaJx2ibOAswBe89aNOw/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhEdJs4okwkRywxWxkOjfSzcL80XtQ2aWoBlql8LNjVOAwceMQg3WdxqF44DzbA_TMVnSywDbpTPz1J8CVczNcbMUeVZ2GdAEfVTiGDJ9rnf6IiQOUvaJ2igRcsU01VmYLjzvourFQyk/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Steady yourselves...that thing that almost never happens, happened! Something I made coincided with an actual blogging event. It's the virtual pajama party that's been taking place over at <a href="http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/suitable-fabrics-for-the-pyjama-party/">Did You Make That</a>. Pretty much the next best thing to hanging out in our pjs and bashing each other with pillows, don't ya think? Last year I missed the boat and I was sad. This year I saw all the pj posts popping up again and by some freak of great bloggy timing I have just finished my first pair of pjs. Yes yes I know. It's a little backward. Pj pants are usually one of those 'first go at sewing' garments aren't they? Maybe now is a good time to admit I'm yet to tackle a cushion cover. In reverse, is how I roll, obviously. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAPWFMBkEkEoTlcyFjK15HRXuf8Cv1wWG7PMcH0F9w0JyQ9snX7ZBNnJP1P1FLQN-25TWGhIohtyNrfr3xzPL-PiwweO6huH06mYvBs-uNgrYeccv_X1N7A5PKh94Z0d98GGkB0J_l4s/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAPWFMBkEkEoTlcyFjK15HRXuf8Cv1wWG7PMcH0F9w0JyQ9snX7ZBNnJP1P1FLQN-25TWGhIohtyNrfr3xzPL-PiwweO6huH06mYvBs-uNgrYeccv_X1N7A5PKh94Z0d98GGkB0J_l4s/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAQ-e3I-4soRjHJmEjhFi_nLdm9GdL9KdWvJDrpU2m5HHhjmMAJniJ1a-N-Dse4pe5B7afQzLbiyhTQW_xt2Cv4TO8LvuH9swyF6y86RfeMOobOpeFIxIoM2spSbTBc4O_C6zy-x9Sy4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAQ-e3I-4soRjHJmEjhFi_nLdm9GdL9KdWvJDrpU2m5HHhjmMAJniJ1a-N-Dse4pe5B7afQzLbiyhTQW_xt2Cv4TO8LvuH9swyF6y86RfeMOobOpeFIxIoM2spSbTBc4O_C6zy-x9Sy4/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>Pattern</em>: <a href="http://www.favoritethings.net/patterns/wearables/sleep_well">Sleep Well pajama pattern from Favorite Things</a>. Not too much to describe here. I was looking for a wide leg, drawstring waist pant and kept coming across billowy waisted, harry high pants versions. This one had me at 'Low Rise'. </div>
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<em>Fabric</em>: I used a Nani Iro double gauze cotton from the 'Fuccra' line (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MissMatatabi?section_id=12750897">this shop carries some beauties</a>) and it really is the perfect pj fabric. So soft to start with and only gets better with washing. </div>
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<em>Sizing / Fit</em>: I cut the S, no mods. I'd definitely go back to this pattern, although I think we'll have to agree to disagree on what constitutes 'hipster'. So, maybe a little higher than I was imagining but a happy medium and everything you'd want in a garment made for slothing. And they may have even been worn out of the house, on a few occasions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAQ-e3I-4soRjHJmEjhFi_nLdm9GdL9KdWvJDrpU2m5HHhjmMAJniJ1a-N-Dse4pe5B7afQzLbiyhTQW_xt2Cv4TO8LvuH9swyF6y86RfeMOobOpeFIxIoM2spSbTBc4O_C6zy-x9Sy4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HNNDHn6hsf74gAOUqfczPHc8S1q0T1S2nv15Afg7ft122EnRTKJBxlXw4H2JuXXbmAv__c7Bj4mONslYeux9G5QbZ8Ifz35RYmGLeUcVhphhjHdOleQO3-Lca3jO3E-IzpaiEJVZR4g/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HNNDHn6hsf74gAOUqfczPHc8S1q0T1S2nv15Afg7ft122EnRTKJBxlXw4H2JuXXbmAv__c7Bj4mONslYeux9G5QbZ8Ifz35RYmGLeUcVhphhjHdOleQO3-Lca3jO3E-IzpaiEJVZR4g/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAQ-e3I-4soRjHJmEjhFi_nLdm9GdL9KdWvJDrpU2m5HHhjmMAJniJ1a-N-Dse4pe5B7afQzLbiyhTQW_xt2Cv4TO8LvuH9swyF6y86RfeMOobOpeFIxIoM2spSbTBc4O_C6zy-x9Sy4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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What, no mandatory jumping on the bed shot! What kind of lame pajama party is this? Oh so you didn't get the memo...this is actually a lounge pants party. For <em>lounging.</em> Definitely feeling too cold and reptilian to be roused into any whole body movements like jumping.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zinY-7sYvZ4j-Pq6Kyj0Q4repCnYuDaReaIIAWHIEkUpMAeOpZjqkyQhl0YOrtx2enZWJwCvJrxL8u-UfCebDhw2X84Ffb2oOmYwMWyu-UfuT4HsiPuz3RSIg-acutVQLf7LV9s_HQk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zinY-7sYvZ4j-Pq6Kyj0Q4repCnYuDaReaIIAWHIEkUpMAeOpZjqkyQhl0YOrtx2enZWJwCvJrxL8u-UfCebDhw2X84Ffb2oOmYwMWyu-UfuT4HsiPuz3RSIg-acutVQLf7LV9s_HQk/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No wait, here we go, limbering up... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNElhH8vL6Dfa-rnK5N_QKi26CIN-UpkZjEdzAvmsH2El6S00fW5reNNj872MrzoLQLU6IdhLkUhjhtieljtqIKXtVEiy3WoijTmUWsQXs_v_eknDh8wb9VbYlUqlYxFGv-o_QbubybQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNElhH8vL6Dfa-rnK5N_QKi26CIN-UpkZjEdzAvmsH2El6S00fW5reNNj872MrzoLQLU6IdhLkUhjhtieljtqIKXtVEiy3WoijTmUWsQXs_v_eknDh8wb9VbYlUqlYxFGv-o_QbubybQ/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...hah! Who was I kidding. Back to slothing.</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-36234616797119219562013-06-18T22:17:00.004+10:002013-06-25T21:35:46.088+10:00Cut-out tank + leggings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0hOENJroz3ugon7_XdBhiab0BDyEMLIkCdvjV3KGnaES7_iBP9vFns8d4LQreGDM1trqz3vaXwYS5A2LHjz18wjxmB4OHkjOvMVg4gWl-WH8N_ArlmsGNHUwEGQzTPk9W4STf9s9vy4/s1600/_MG_7000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0hOENJroz3ugon7_XdBhiab0BDyEMLIkCdvjV3KGnaES7_iBP9vFns8d4LQreGDM1trqz3vaXwYS5A2LHjz18wjxmB4OHkjOvMVg4gWl-WH8N_ArlmsGNHUwEGQzTPk9W4STf9s9vy4/s640/_MG_7000.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Hey it's two-for-one-Tuesday! And I'm sorry but I got no special deals on pizza for you, just two fresh additions to the handmade closet. Presenting my new favourite-ist leggings in the whole wide world and the new Megan Nielsen <a href="http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/crescent-blouse-sewing-pattern">Crescent blouse</a>. Both pieces were completed before the epic month of May and are conveniently slotting in while I muster the courage to start this Bombshell swimsuit business.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGk_Gz1WniBdoQbnulHPR13FyZyghWETngu5X3TK3Mwu9AxSwD2QZZetNkKm8tKsuJCLWKj-YozOKMbpxJuQ5h2Cg5NpEwXlDblgbLT2vo-GegF8cRdN5jmW-rk1j5KGDMIPHqjsgYGk/s1600/8559631608_b1be4d7fe8_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGk_Gz1WniBdoQbnulHPR13FyZyghWETngu5X3TK3Mwu9AxSwD2QZZetNkKm8tKsuJCLWKj-YozOKMbpxJuQ5h2Cg5NpEwXlDblgbLT2vo-GegF8cRdN5jmW-rk1j5KGDMIPHqjsgYGk/s640/8559631608_b1be4d7fe8_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>Pattern:</em> <a href="http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/crescent-blouse-sewing-pattern">Megan Nielsen Crescent blouse</a></div>
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<em>Fabric</em>: A semi sheer Silk cotton with a slightly bigger weave. I doubled the layers for the front and left the back sheer (didn't get photo oops, just visualize yeah?). </div>
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<em>Bits to love</em>: Another beautifully put together pattern. I especially appreciated the finishes around the cut outs and button closures. There's the option of a collar / collarless version and two variations for the hem length and shape, one is round (I'm assuming like a 'crescent'?) and the other squared off and tunic length. I kind of surprised myself here by going for a solid color, especially given the scope for mixing prints or color-blocking in this pattern! But sometimes I can be a very Zen sewer and I was thinking along the lines of choosing a fabric that wouldn't detract from the lines in the blouse. And I also used two self cover buttons in the same fabric to keep everything at one. Namaste.</div>
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<em>Urks</em>: The strapless bra situation. It seems it is my quest to unearth a strapless bra that does it's freakin job! Holds things in place, stays put all day and comfy enough you forget its there. Not much to ask right? Back in the day, when I used to have a decent pair (it's all relative), I was sure the issue was just that a strapless bra was never going to have the lift of a normal bra, end of story. HowEVER, after retiring from their post as milk factory last year, the boobs just went 'right that's us done, we're out of here' and shrunk down three whole cups sizes. No complaints, at least now I thought I'd be all over the strapless bra thing. Only, just like it's predecessors, this one was great in the shop but crept south, was uncomfortable and made weird bra lines through the top. I couldn't wait to fling it off after these pics (and replace it with a regular bra...straight away in case you were wondering), so a little sadly, until this get sorted, my crescent is not getting much of an airing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC466Rb7qY74VQ0aj_eobx_GRK4axsGjXmCI-pxRB3cp8D-Xim0MD1H7qf0vS5aVxvPh45SfQ2nSWGIO5f5rXRL2vladLTxx9E4BYOqw548h7_cg1eDITlyJ7sgF_iyZnFVOnU-6Y-JHQ/s1600/8558531029_2e332108f5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC466Rb7qY74VQ0aj_eobx_GRK4axsGjXmCI-pxRB3cp8D-Xim0MD1H7qf0vS5aVxvPh45SfQ2nSWGIO5f5rXRL2vladLTxx9E4BYOqw548h7_cg1eDITlyJ7sgF_iyZnFVOnU-6Y-JHQ/s640/8558531029_2e332108f5_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<em>Pattern</em>:<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/012011-leggings"> Burdastyle Leggings 01/2011</a></div>
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<em>Fabric</em>: Rayon and lycra jersey from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/transaction/113079573?ref=fb2_tnx_title">here</a></div>
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So, guys, I went back for <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/dont-ya-wish-yer-leggings-were.html">more leggings</a>. And <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/012011-leggings">this pattern</a> is ten times better than the <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/dont-ya-wish-yer-leggings-were.html">last</a>. Everything that was slightly off about <a href="http://www.cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/dont-ya-wish-yer-leggings-were.html">this pair</a> is now lovingly accommodated here. Where the <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6173-products-11288.php?page_id=114">McCalls</a> <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6173-products-11288.php?page_id=114">pattern</a> was a little short in the legs, too shallow from crotch to waist and so on, this one is longer, higher, faster, stronger! The leg length is really spot on. I have longish legs and I like a little bunching at the ankles. They also come up to my ribs and keep my organs warm. So, I love them and really recommend the <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/012011-leggings">Burdastyle pattern</a>. But each body to their own. They also feel so much cosier in a soft fabric, as opposed to swim lycra. I was utterly gobsmacked to find this fabric, only the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/transaction/113079573?ref=fb2_tnx_title">juiciest knit fabric I've ever laid eyes on</a>, randomly on Etsy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_rgxT1kg-Sj2UttO4qfux2VSlo6EGVDgKtSH4enq3LMqI-wO72Kh4ZOBX8bHZAIOHBmAnAe4HjgL74f7PQZVds1gfojokmPuSvbjKzp86IlHlJZauclojR4pq21nVoAzwPgus77wWoE/s1600/8560746055_44453aaef1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_rgxT1kg-Sj2UttO4qfux2VSlo6EGVDgKtSH4enq3LMqI-wO72Kh4ZOBX8bHZAIOHBmAnAe4HjgL74f7PQZVds1gfojokmPuSvbjKzp86IlHlJZauclojR4pq21nVoAzwPgus77wWoE/s640/8560746055_44453aaef1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Initially I wasn't going to try and match up the pattern but decided to give it a crack and the effect of the symmetry is kind of cool. I feel like a walking anatomical illustration. Lining up the print was not so hard, there is only one pattern piece for each leg so after I doubled my fabric over before cutting, I used pins to mark little land-marks on the print, making sure the points corresponded on top and bottom layer. Not sure if this is common practice but it worked so well! Right now, I'm wearing these, hmm maybe three times a week and they are starting to fade a little so I'm considering buying more of the fabric (if there even is some) to make a back-up pair. Is that weird? I just never want them to end.</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-48826259885244617122013-06-15T21:26:00.001+10:002013-06-15T21:28:27.587+10:00Bombshell Giveaway Winner Thanks for entering the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-pdf-pattern-vintage?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">Bombshell pattern</a> and fabric giveaway. I loved reading the comments and judging by the response, the Bombshell has filled a massive void for on-trend swimwear patterns. I've used a random number generator to come up with the winner, but can't quite figure out how to import the actual thingo into the post. It's late and I'm a techno-no-go tonight, so I'll just get on with announcing...the winner of the giveaway is no.20, congratulations to... <a href="http://missyn-84.blogspot.com.au/">Nele84</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfgDdxp5RDYRgucCrEB0peSeOaAEl_UEHXDRF78C14tLVyAIab3OY1bVFxiKg3cTI1DDspD-lKUG47unyuOmBZVjGjlizMzHA5qZKTmPRG0WoTp8NlAvcOg6wgCrjvXo5XxgSiSayeDsi/s280/sewalong+button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfgDdxp5RDYRgucCrEB0peSeOaAEl_UEHXDRF78C14tLVyAIab3OY1bVFxiKg3cTI1DDspD-lKUG47unyuOmBZVjGjlizMzHA5qZKTmPRG0WoTp8NlAvcOg6wgCrjvXo5XxgSiSayeDsi/s280/sewalong+button.png" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-sewalong-begins-material.html">Sewalong</a> begins this Monday coming and I am really hanging out to see everyone's versions post <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-sewalong-begins-material.html">Sewalong</a>...because you did realize that by entering the comp you were forever after committed to making a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-pdf-pattern-vintage?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">Bombshell</a>?! Excellent, I knew you wouldn't leave me to strip alone! The pattern is available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-pdf-pattern-vintage?ref=shop_home_active&nc=1">here</a> and a popular place to gather the other supplies is <a href="http://www.sewsassy.com/">Sew Sassy</a>. I only just ordered my swim cups and elastic from them after finding a huge black hole in the Australian swimwear notions market. But if you're running out of time, there are other ways around, you can even rip swim cups out of old bathers from thrift stores like<a href="http://lladybird.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/the-bombshell-swimsuit-a-review-and-a-giveaway/"> this tester</a> did. And if it's <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/swimwear-fabrics">pretty swimwear fabric</a> you're still after, <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/swimwear-fabrics">this shop</a> ships internationally.</div>
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Let's do this!</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93013800127133164.post-2808825820473753822013-06-13T16:30:00.001+10:002013-06-15T22:13:03.374+10:00We interrupt this winter for...a BOMBSHELL giveaway - Closed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95fOSc2fYK6Qj5NU8YT-RCPMx7KpxcFKzpUcEgK2i5wrSuDB8wShwy4Y4QesH9aPTJIvdReMj_XzW1RZjGzCyfKRTTRBczNXc6E7tl3-0hnvIiTQWXW8t3H_yj5jfnDDFaRirZZ8UhYk/s1600/BOMBSHELL+PROMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95fOSc2fYK6Qj5NU8YT-RCPMx7KpxcFKzpUcEgK2i5wrSuDB8wShwy4Y4QesH9aPTJIvdReMj_XzW1RZjGzCyfKRTTRBczNXc6E7tl3-0hnvIiTQWXW8t3H_yj5jfnDDFaRirZZ8UhYk/s640/BOMBSHELL+PROMO.jpg" width="585" /></a></div>
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There I was, table cleared, stash at the ready, all set for the big winter sew. And then the Northern Hemisphere swoops in with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-pdf-pattern-vintage?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest">THIS</a> distraction! A <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">swimsuit pattern</a>. The hot-as, gift-to-women-everywhere, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-pdf-pattern-vintage?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest">BOMBSHELL swimsuit</a>, by one of my fav adult sewing bloggers <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">Closet Case Files</a>. Here's the thing. I didn't test this pattern. I'm not an affiliate. But when I saw this I just had to share! I love swimsuits. I've loved them long time. And if I actually did fit into the mould of Aussie surfie chick then that'd explain things. But I'm pasty and scared of sharks. So it's anyone's guess. </div>
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As for sewing swimsuits, I've been wanting to have a go but until now have found nothing remotely inspiring in the way of cute patterns. And to be honest the intimidation factor here is pretty high. I'm not afraid of stretch, I afraid of ruching and maths and weird elastic. And all are involved <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">here</a>, in small quantities, mind you. I've glanced over the <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">pattern</a> (one eye squinted shut) and there are a few small calculations involved and plenty of ruching. Which is why it looks damn gorgeous! And all the pattern testers have said that it is A-Ok and easy to follow so I'm sure it's going to be F.I.N.E. Plus there is going to be an actual <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-sewalong-begins-material.html">Bombshell Sewalong</a>!<br />
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If you've witnessed the conga of breathtaking bombshells making their debut in the last few days you'd know what I mean by this swimsuit being universally flattering. There's <a href="http://sallieoh.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/bam-im-dropping-bombshells.html">this stunner</a> by <a href="http://sallieoh.blogspot.com.au/">Sallieoh</a>, this <a href="http://lladybird.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/the-bombshell-swimsuit-a-review-and-a-giveaway/">gingham beauty</a> by <a href="http://lladybird.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/the-bombshell-swimsuit-a-review-and-a-giveaway/">Lladybird </a>and <a href="http://www.paunnet.com/2013/06/bombshell-swimsuit.html">another lovely</a> by <a href="http://www.paunnet.com/">Paunnet</a>. Being a bit print happy I was always going to dive for a patterned fabric first but now I'm noticing how classic and beautiful the <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">Bombshell</a> makes up in solid colors. However, if it's a printed swimwear lycra you covet, my two favorite sources are <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/swimwear-fabrics">Tessuti Fabrics</a> (online and ships internationally) and <a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/">The Fabric Store</a> (accessible by kangaroo only).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQWimOt9ofG6FlFLkaiPLJC2z4GDubhZ6LV7FjBE5X6atCGV6GCfWU4_3PsDOf1j9kprDA4Mkgxqp91AVvJWmW4ET3Kwxk2CxyHyA2WuyGf7jkUvniWO3TmETmUOZ0Rl_03_4P2H4bPk/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQWimOt9ofG6FlFLkaiPLJC2z4GDubhZ6LV7FjBE5X6atCGV6GCfWU4_3PsDOf1j9kprDA4Mkgxqp91AVvJWmW4ET3Kwxk2CxyHyA2WuyGf7jkUvniWO3TmETmUOZ0Rl_03_4P2H4bPk/s640/PicMonkey+Collage5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I am truly in awe of anyone who puts together something as mind blowing as a hand-made pattern so I wanted to get behind <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.ca/p/about-closet-case-files.html">Heather</a> and her <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-swimsuit-is-here.html">Bombshell</a> and celebrate its release with a giveaway...<br />
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Up for grabs is one copy of the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153333289/bombshell-swimsuit-pdf-pattern-vintage?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest">Bombshell pattern</a> + a piece of this exsquisite swimwear fabric, generously donated by <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/swimwear-fabrics">Tessuti Fabrics</a>. Of which there is <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/stretched-fiesta-swimwear-fabric">more available</a> + <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/swimwear-fabrics">other beautiful prints</a>, like <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/where-are-you-swimwear-fabric">this beach scene</a> (it said buy me, I said yes). If you'd like to enter, leave a comment or tell me which version you'd make. A winner will be drawn at random, from anywhere in the world and announced on the 16th June. And then I'll be sprinting to the post-office in the hope that it gets delivered before the <a href="http://closetcasefiles.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-bombshell-sewalong-begins-material.html">Sewalong</a> begins. </div>
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So what do you think about them apples? Are you in?</div>
Cirque Du Bebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14949048624013343300noreply@blogger.com126