What have I been sewing? : July 2016

Can anyone else believe we're already in August? July literally flew by for me, and sadly, I didn't get much time to make any garments this month. That being said, I did a few alterations for other people and managed to fix my first zip on a pair of jeans, so not a completely wasted month! 

I only managed to sew two garments for myself this month, both new patterns which I've had for a while but never really got round to printing the patterns out and sticking them together. 

First make for this month was my Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse. Please excuse the un-ironed finished product, I'm not the best at remembering to do that before I take photos! 

I'm not going to lie, I really, really didn't like this pattern when I started cutting the fabric. There isn't actually anything wrong with the pattern but you know when you have that feeling when you start out on something, and you just know it's not really your cup of tea? That's the feeling I had when I started out with this. I did make a few alterations, one being that I made this a sleeveless top. I'm not a person for sleeves, at all, but if I were to make this in a different fabric, I probably would sew them in (e.g in a plain fabric rather than a floral!). I also made the front pieces slightly larger at the front seam to allow more space for my chest but low and behold, it wasn't actually enough space and I still could have made it fractionally bigger to make it more comfortable. I did make the largest size as I find the SOI patterns do run slightly small, so when I do re-trace this PDF pattern onto brown wrapping paper, I will grade it up a size or two. 

The neckline on this top drove me absolutely insane. I couldn't get the center front part to sit properly, and I hate hand stitching as it is, but I think it turned out really nice. 

But, all in all, I actually really like how this top turned out. If I saw this in a shop, I probably wouldn't buy it but because I've put the effort in to making it, I actually love it. Well done Sew Over It, you've converted me to yet another style of clothing I wouldn't have worn if I had purchased it directly from a shop. 

My second make for this month was the Colette Aster blouse. I've only worn this top once when I was in London last weekend, so please excuse the rubbish hotel bathroom photo! 

I had SO many problems trying to print this pattern out, it's unreal. My printer just refused to download the pattern and actually print it out, it even got to the stage where my laptop had a few bashes and a few swear words were thrown around! After what seemed like forever I actually managed to get the pattern printed out and again, I didn't really like the look of this when I was cutting out the fabric. I think it really has just been one of those months, July. 

I, again, made this sleeveless as I tend to wear a lot of cardigans / jackets, and I actually don't think I'd put the sleeves on this either. I made a size 20 as I generally tend to go by my bust measurement as its the largest (I don't mind having extra baggage around my stomach, I end up tucking half of my tops into skirts/trousers anyway), but I really do think I could've made a couple of sizes smaller in this as the sizing on this top is very generous. 

I actually quite enjoyed making this top, as it was the first time I'd ever used the buttonhole function on my machine. I am so surprised at how easy it was! I'll definitely be making more garments with buttons on. I think I also stretched the neckline out on this ever so slightly, or I don't know if it's not sitting right because it's just a tad too big. I can definitely still wear it though, it just means I'd have to be a little more careful if I bend over, otherwise it'd be cleavage galore...but as I said, I will definitely make this again, just a size or two smaller!

I've only got a few makes planned for August, but I'm not sure when I'll have the time to get these sewn up as I'm attempting some patterns which are a little more time consuming. Challenge accepted! 

♥

5 things I've learnt from sewing

I've only been sewing for around a year and a half now, however in the time, I've learnt so many different things, I really feel as if I've made progress. 

Rewind to my 21st birthday, where I purchased my very first sewing machine, my Brother LS14. It was cheap, cheerful and if anything, a little bit daunting. As simple as this machine was, I really felt as if I was out of my depth even when using a simple straight stitch. I had a dabble in a few odd sewing projects (albeit it disasters) and I remember trying to make my first vest top. Needless to say I was clueless, and I'm not even ashamed to admit it. 

From binge watching videos on Youtube, I slowly but surely started gaining more knowledge about different sewing techniques, terminology and what I'd need to do if something went horrifically wrong with something I was making, or my machine. I then also managed to find the black hole on Youtube for sewing...fabric hauls. My god, I have watched so. many. of these and lusted after all the fancy fabrics. 

Fast forward to today, I now have a fancy computerised machine and the majority of my wardrobe is me-made. And if I'm being honest, I'm actually really proud to say that. I love the reaction I get from people when they ask where I got my clothing from, and my response is, "I made it myself". I'm even taking the time to do alterations for other people and even making clothes for other people. 

I've had a little time to sit back and really think about what sewing means to me, and what I've learnt from it in the short time that I've been sewing for. So, I thought I'd narrow it down to 5 key points and hope that this is of some inspiration to you too! 


1- Don't give up too easily, take your time.

This is something I really have mastered in a short space of time. I've always been the sort of person to give up on something if A. I don't like it, or B. it's not going my way. With sewing, I've had to learn how to correct my mistakes and actually persevere. This has come from handing different types of fabrics, tackling patterns higher than my skill level and also the need to have a pretty garment at the end of my hours of slavery at my machine! One thing I also learnt very quickly is just to take your time cutting out patterns. Shoddy cutting leads to shoddy stitching and shoddy stitching leads to a...shoddy finished project!


2. Read. the. damn. instructions.

I cannot stress this enough. Even if you've read them once, read them again. And even once you've read them twice, read them three times. I learnt this from day one of using my first pattern. It's worth an extra few minutes noting all the different techniques required, knowing where every notch should match up etc. Also study the layout of the pattern pieces on the fabric, notice the grainline of the fabric and more importantly, measure twice and cut once! Don't be afraid to keep referring to your instructions, they're there for a reason! 


3. There's more to fabric than just cotton

I was so oblivious to the sheer amount of fabric which is available to us Sewcialists. I'll be the first to hold my hand up and say my first couple of skirts I made were out of a really cheap polycotton as I thought cheap prices = bargain = many masterpieces. This certainly is not the case. I quickly came to realise that sometimes it's worth spending the extra few pounds per meter of fabric as you really do get what you pay for. When I started out sewing, my aim was to make clothing cheaper than I could buy in shops, ready made. Please don't fall into this  trap, as it's just not true. Certain garments you can make cheaper, but the fabric quality will just suffer for the cheaper price tag. I now spend hours and hours flicking through different fabric websites and shops just drooling at all the different fabric available. One thing I will advise you to do is really understand what type of fabric your garment requires, as some fabrics just aren't suitable. Handle the fabric, understand how it's constructed and how it'll work with your pattern. 


4. Use the correct tools

This is also something I'm happy to admit - I thought one needle does all. Again, sorry Philly, but this just isn't true. I've now used denim, jersey and also the trusty universal needle and yes, you really can tell a difference, so if you have several projects in mind, invest in the correct needles. Also, invest in a decent pair of scissors as you will save yourself a lot of hassle, or if you don't fancy scissors, a rotary cutter. Similar with fabric, it's worth paying a little extra more as you get far better quality tools for your money. 


5. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone.

I found this quite difficult in my first few months of sewing, as I generally found myself going for quite boxy shaped patterns and very, very plain fabric. I've never been one for wanting to wear bright colours or anything skin tight, but if I'm being honest, I now very rarely buy plain fabric and if anything, I'm being more adventurous with the type of patterns I'm purchasing. If you've known me for more than a year, you'll know that I used to live my life in leggings. I'm not even joking, anything I wore was with leggings. I now find myself reaching for skirts and dresses a lot more, purely for the fact is that I'm proud I've made them myself. I'm also becoming more confident in wearing brighter and bolder patterns. This has taken me such a long time to overcome, as I'm really quite an anxious person however slowly but surely, I'm coming out of my bubble. 


What have you learnt since starting to sew? 
♥

What have I been sewing? : June 2016

June has been a wonderful month for me in terms of having spare time to myself, my other half has worked a couple of Saturdays this month so I've been up and about super early when he's gone to work, meaning I've had plenty of time to get my act together and bulk out my me-made wardrobe. 

First of all, I've made two self drafted skirts. One was made in a slightly stretchy, lightweight denim, and the other was made in a woollen fabric which I had leftover from making a cape late last year. 

Each of these skirts were made using 1m of fabric and a length of elastic, I really can't believe how easy they were to make! I even made the woollen one with pockets, which was my first time in inserting pockets into a garment. I was surprisingly shocked at how easy this was too. These skirts are simply made by hemming the bottom edge and creating a channel for the elastic to run through on the top, folding the fabric in half and then sewing up the side. I think these literally took me about half an hour to sew up. I can see myself making sooo many of these as I've worn these two to death already! 

Next up are the two tops I've made this month. 

I've used the Sew Over It Ultimate Shift Dress pattern again for these tops and cut them off at the "top length" line. I really love the shape of these tops as they look lovely regardless of whether they're tucked into skirts and jeans, or even just left un-tucked. 

Again, the photo I've taken of these tops really do not do them any justice. Especially the one on the right, I think this is my favourite fabric I've ever bought. It's so bright and colourful, every time I pick it out of my wardrobe it instantly brightens my day. You may not be able to tell, but I've also used the last of my rabbit print fabric making a shift top. 

My sewing plans for July include making a few more skirts out of the fabric I have left and also possibly making a pinafore dress out of a lovely purpley-green tartan fabric I've purchased. I also want to try making a few more knit items as opposed to viscose, however I've put myself on a fabric-buying-ban until I've used everything in my stash! 

'til next time!

♥

What have I been sewing? : May 2016

Let me just say one thing before I start. I really, really do not like this hot weather. Being a natural ginger, I feel the heat quite easily and if I'm being honest, I struggle! Although it is nice to actually have a summer this year, it would also be nice if I could go a day without feeling like I'm melting. 

Okay, now I've had my little whinge, I'm finally getting round to reporting my makes for May 2016 - this month was relatively quiet in the sewing front as I just couldn't find the time to do it, however what I had made, I actually really like. I'm a bit miffed that I didn't join in with Me Made May but I just simply didn't have the time to get everything made so I could wear "me made" items throughout the whole month, but there's always next year, right!

First item was my McCalls 7200 Kimono jacket (view C), and yes, I made it in the bunny fabric. I've actually come to the end of this fabric now, but I'm super happy with how this turned out. 

I first laid eyes on this pattern when I was browsing through katemakesadress on instagram and thought, Philly, you need this in your life if it's that simple to make. This was a relatively simple item so put together, once I had figured out the instructions. For the life of me, I could not read these instructions and understand them. My Mum had also read them and looked at me like "what are you even on about..." but something just wasn't letting them sink in to my head!

The only alteration I had to make was that I had to readjust where the tie-belt straps were sewn in. Due to me being quite short, the location of the straps meant that they were sitting right on my bum and it really didn't look right, so I moved them up a few inches and now they're sitting perfectly on my waist. 

Would I make this again? Yes, I think I would. I'd probably make it a little shorter though, as this is quite long on me but I suppose it's quite good as it does cover my bum, so if I do end up having leggings on which are slightly...see through...at least my dignity is covered on my derrier! I'd also make it in a plain(er) fabric so that I could wear it with more of my clothes. I love how versatile this pattern is and how I actually like what it looks like both tied up at the front and also at the back. 

My second make for May was a Sew Over It Ultimate Shift dress top. Now, I don't have any decent photos of this top as of yet so bare with me - the photo I do have does not do this fabric any justice though! 

Apologies for this being horrendously creased in this photo, I'd taken this top to Cardiff with me and didn't realise how easily it'd crease! As much as I love viscose, this one really does crease easily. 

This top only took me around 2 hours to make, as I've really managed to master this pattern. I think this is probably the 5th time I've used this pattern now (3 dresses and 2 tops) however the first time I'd tried to make a top out of the pattern, I really didn't like how it looked. I don't know if it was because of the sleeves or whatever but it just really didn't look right. 

A few alterations were made to make this top fit me better. I increased the size of this by about an inch and a half each side, as I wanted the fit to be slightly baggier. I also missed off the facings and used a single turned over hem to finish off the arm holes, neckline and bottom hem and I actually like how it turned out. It's extremely comfy to wear and I've already got another 2 pre-cut and ready to start sewing this morning. 

The one thing I love about this pattern is that it just suits every body type. I'm not the smallest of girls by any means, but this dress pattern, and top pattern for that matter, really make me feel a little slimmer. 

 So those are my two makes for May 2016! As I said above, a relatively quiet month on the sewing front, however June is already under way and I've managed to make something already, so hopefully I'll have my other items finished and I'll actually get that post up on time by the end of June...

'til next time! 

♥

Singer Starlet 6660

I've spent so many hours of my life looking at all the fancy computerised sewing machines and thinking wow, I'd really love one of those...but what I didn't love was the price tag that came with the majority of them! 

If you've been around for a couple of months, you'll know that I recently moved out of my privately rented flat and back to my Parent's house, meaning I had a lovely sum of money coming back my way in the form of my deposit! I though that there was no better way of treating myself after such a stressful time than to buy a new sewing machine. Don't get me wrong, I loved my little Brother LS14 but I just wanted something a bit more...substantial now I've really gotten into the swing of dressmaking. 

On one of my many trips to Hobbycraft with my Sister when she's up from London, we headed straight to the sewing machine aisle, just so I could have a look at the ones they have on offer, as I like the fact I could physically see the machine and have a go, should I choose to. I fell in love with one, but was a bit iffy about spending over £200 on a machine! We had a bit of a walk about and I thought, Philly, do your research first, you can always come back. 

After about...an hour...of thinking do I need this, can you justify it, blah blah blah, I decided I wanted to go ahead and buy one. I went back to Hobbycraft the morning after, walked to the till with the sewing machine box for a Singer Starlet 6660 in my arms and before I knew it, I'd spent over £200 on a new sewing machine. What, I must be mad. 

Okay no, really, I am so happy I spent this much money on a computerised machine. The quality is just unreal, the whole thing just feels so damn sturdy and I love how easy the interface is to use. I like how I can see all of the stitch "library" on the front of the machine, rather than on a dial like on my Brother. Also, one thing I never thought I'd use is an automatic needle threader - but I can honestly say it's a must on any machine I have going forward! I also like the fact you get a little bag of goodies to get you started as well. 

So, here it is, my new baby!

The one thing that I've noticed myself doing a lot more is experimenting with stitch lengths and widths. I don't recall having this option on my previous sewing machine (Brother LS14), but I found this so easy to have a mess with using the push buttons. 

I'll admit, I haven't used all of the stitches as of yet as I need to find a scrap of fabric big enough to test them all out on, but again, it's super easy to change stitches using the two arrow buttons. One thing I have had a go at doing was using the buttonhole stitch and couldn't believe how easy this was...the foot that was supplied to create buttonholes is quite nifty as you place your button in a little crevice on the foot and it creates a perfectly sized buttonhole. Needless to say I was absolutely amazed. 

The one thing that I worried about was spending all this money on this machine and not actually noticing a difference in the quality of my creations - but I'm so wrong. The stitches just seem a lot more...robust and everything just seems to feel that little more professional. I don't know if that's psychological but I can definitely tell a difference. Another big change for me is the fact that this is a side loading bobbin, as opposed to a top loading bobbin. I think I might actually prefer it, as I seem to have less tension issues - or am I just having a bit more luck lately than usual?! 

I could ramble on for ages about this sewing machine but if you're looking for a "budget friendly" computerised machine, I honestly would have a look at this one. As I said above, I purchased mine from Hobbycraft for £219.00.

♥

What have I been sewing? : April 2016

Now the trees are turning a little bit greener and the flowers are in full bloom, I'm finally feeling a little bit better and more optimistic about everything. I had a week or so where I felt like I was at a dead end, but truth be told, I've had a bit of time to myself to think about everything and I feel much better for doing so! 

Jumping right in to what I've been sewing, I didn't make a lot last month with moving back home, settling back in etc. I only made two dresses from patterns I already have but made them sleeveless so that I can wear them in both the summer and winter! 

The first dress I made was a Merchant and Mills dress shirt in a navy and pink arrow print shirting cotton from Fabworks, which was £5.00 per meter.

This is a gorgeous fabric and it's really surprised me at just how durable it is. I've never used a "proper" shirting cotton before but you can definitely tell the difference! I opted to make this dress sleeveless as I'd already tried setting in the sleeves, but it just didn't look right! I've found that I've worn this more since taking the sleeves out and I suppose I could wear this with a long sleeved top underneath when it becomes winter again. This didn't take too long to make and set the sleeves in initially, but I had set it aside for quite a while whilst I moved house and settled in, but in total I'd say it probably took me around 3 hours. 

The second item I'd made was another Sew Over It ultimate shift dress in a rabbit print viscose from thetextilecentre on eBay. I've purchased fabric from this online shop a couple of times and I've been so impressed with the quality of the fabric so far. 

Not the best photos but I absolutely love this dress. I made it slightly bigger than I normally would have done and also sleeveless, I think I actually prefer this dress without the sleeves! Again, I've left the sleeves off so I can wear a long sleeved top underneath. 

Now, I've got a couple of new posts lined up and also a review of my new Singer sewing machine, which will hopefully be posted within the next week or so.

'til next time! 

♥

Blog re-design

Hello my lovelies! I hope you've had a lovely bank holiday weekend. I've had a lovely weekend as I finally had time to sit down and chill out. 

Some of you may notice that my blog has been pretty silent for the past few weeks as work has gotten super busy again, I'm in and out of the house and I just hadn't had time to do anything! That being said, I felt like I needed to change what this blog was really about. 

I decided to have a blog redesign, as I felt like I'd outgrown the flowery and somewhat childish design I had beforehand. I also wanted to change my blog name. Sweet Pea is a nickname my Dad has called me ever since I was little and for a while, it was nice associating it with something that I put a lot of thought into. However, I didn't feel like it suited this blog. 

So, I've had a bit of a mess around and actually quite like minimalistic layout I have at the moment, however no doubt I will be making a few tweaks here and there. 

So, goodbye SweetPea and hello to PuddingPop! 

♥