Natalie and Nina

This is another of Kat's fabulous patterns teamed up with my fave cardigan, Muse Natalie dress and Style Arc Nina cardigan.

I'll not say much about the cardigan, I've said it all before, it is so easy to cut and make up. I love them. I know the draped look might not be for everyone, but I get so much wear out of these.

I think I bought the fabric for this one, intending to make something else and it was definitely pattern tetris cutting this out. I think the bottom piece is actually cut across the grain, but hey, it works and the cardigan has been washed a couple of times since making up and it's made no difference. This merino is quite closely woven and keeps it's shape really well. Unlike my black merino Nina cardi which has gone a tad baggy now!

The details
Fabric:  Fuchsia pink merino from Levana, Levin, June 2015.
Notions:  Thread and some cotton tape to stabilise the shoulders and neck.
Pattern:  Style Arc Nina cardigan, size 14
Changes made:  None
Another one/recommendations:  I've made four of these cardigans. I love them. They are great for slobbing around in and are smart enough for work. I know the look isn't for everyone, but for me, I love them!

And so to the Natalie dress. I was intrigued by this dress from the start. I was over at Kat's one weekend for a knitting afternoon and she suggested I try on one of her sample versions. I loved it, the fit, the style, etc. I knew I needed one in my wardrobe. And so, I used this pale grey knit I got from Levana back in April. It was intended to be another Gillian, but I decided it would be perfect for this dress.

I went for the version with the gathers under the bust. I didn't intend to, but this fit was actually much better for me. I had to be careful with pattern placement, I could have had flowers in the wrong places - as it were!

The pattern, like all of Kat's patterns, is drafted perfectly. This is a size 38 and fit me straight out of the box. I've made no alterations to the pattern at all. I followed the instructions to the letter, they didn't need any changing. It's really easy to put together and sews up so quickly. The sleeves are the perfect length for me - I love 3/4 length sleeves.

I honestly have no complaints about this pattern. OK, the ties are really long and that's possibly because they are intended to come round the front, but I'd rather leave the front free. Hang on, is that my only gripe - what am I saying? Nope I've no gripes or groans at all and I get so many compliments when I wear this dress. It's a real keeper and very tempting to make another...

The details
Fabric:  Pale grey polyester knit from Levana, Levin, April 2015
Notions:  Thread, interfacing and some cotton tape to stabilise the shoulders.
Pattern:  Muse Patterns Natalie dress, size 38
Changes made:  None
Another one/recommendations:  I'm actually really tempted to make another, this dress is great, it fits well and I really love it. I certainly recommend the pattern, it's so easy to make up and the fit is fab. Oh and what's more you can make a top or a maxi dress too.

Excuse the hair everywhere, we'd done photos the day before and the exposure was all wrong and this day is one of Wellington's lovely windy days. You'd have thought by now I'd learn to put my hair back!

Blue Spicy Jade

Well I said I was after some easy comfy knit skirts and I found a new one to try!

This is the new Paprika Patterns Jade skirt. The pattern was suggested by Kat after she saw how the Lindy Skirts fitted me. It didn't take long for that eftpos card to open up the webpage and type in the numbers! (A take on a phrase shamelessly borrowed from Juliet!)

I've not made anything from Paprika Patterns, so this is completely new to me. I really couldn't wait to make this up. Those pleats on the front were just calling me and saying make me, make me! How could I resist such a call from a pattern ;-)

My printed pattern pieces didn't completely line up, but it didn't make any difference to the making up of the skirt. The front pattern piece is cut as a single piece and then pleated. Just check out this pattern piece!

The pleats are actually really easy to make up. The fabric I chose was a sturdy double knit and the pleats were easy to make up. I watched the free video on the website and just went for it. Each pleat is the same depth, I think it was 1.5", so out came the tape measure and I checked the pleats that way. As long as you remember to pleat from the bottom, you shouldn't have any problems at all. The pattern suggests using different coloured pins to identify each pleat. If you have pins with coloured heads, I recommend this.

 

The pleats are held in place by a zig-zag stitch along the length of the pleat on the underside attaching it to the lining at the same time. So you end up with a criss-cross of zig-zag lines on the back of the lining.

From here I diverted from the instructions. I didn't want to line the whole skirt, so just lined the front. I attached the back piece down the side seams, just about to the hem, then hemmed the back by hand then finished sewing the rest of the side seam. It made the side seam finish nicer.

At this point, as the pattern suggests, I tried the skirt on. Mm, I'm not sure what had happened. It was too tight around the bum and the waist enormous! So I let out the hips as much as I possibly could and also took in the waist by about an inch. This meant that the waistband was drafted incorrectly. It's quite curved and the curve is meant to be on the side seam and having taken in the side seam... The problem here is that if you follow the instructions, you would have already applied the interfacing to the end of the waistband for the zip. I had to cut off my interfaced section as the waistband was now too long.

I decided to go for the exposed zip option. One side of this took three goes. I had the correct length zip, but when I attached it to the skirt there was a big gap at the top, I'd cut the correct length in the back piece, so I had to attach a hook and eye at the top of the waistband. The zip is also attached differently to other exposed zips I've sewn. It's actually attached with right sides together like a seam and folded over. When I've sewn these before they've just been attached on the top. I personally think it would look better just attached on the outside.

I have worn this skirt a couple of times, but it's not working currently, it just keeps falling down! I have to keep hitching it up. The pattern does have an option to add elastic in the waistband. I recommend this completely. I attached my waistband down by hand, instead of stitching in the ditch. I think I will unpick my hand sewing and attach knit elastic to the waistband to see if I can get the skirt to stay up better. It is meant to sit just below the waist, but this just doesn't sit properly at all! And as soon as I walk a little way, it starts falling down.

I could probably talk for a while about issues I've had, but these are the main issues I've faced. This could just be me and the shape of my body!

The details

Fabric: Blue-grey double knit from Oamaru Silk Centre, June 2015. You do need the 1.5m of 150 wide, I've only got small pieces left.

Notions: Thread, a small amount of interfacing, a hook and eye and a trouser zip for the exposed zip.

Pattern: Paprika Patterns Jade skirt, view B. I cut a straight size 6. Although the finished waistband is way more than the 30" stated on the pattern for this size.

Changes made: I only lined the front, so hemmed the back, then attached it to the front. The side seams were pressed to the back.
First worn: This last week some point!

Another one/recommendations: Mm, I still really like the pattern, but I have reservations. I'm actually tempted by making another one, but will likely cut almost a size 5 for the waist an grade out to a 7 for the hips (I have 42" hips and 32" waist). I will also most likely leave off the exposed zipper. I suggest leaving cutting the waistband until you have made up the skirt and sewn the side seams. That way you're more likely to have the correct size waistband. I also recommend elastic in the waistband to help it keep shape and size. The whole thing was sewn on my normal machine, no overlocking in sight!

Oh and excuse any strange faces in these photos, it was raining and cold! However, I have managed to make this up in time for the New to Me week on The Monthly Stitch!

Please let me introduce Ninacarralindy!

So I changed my job about four months ago and now I work at home half the time, so as much as I love to wear dresses, now it's got to the winter, all I want to wear are comfy and warm separates. Cue knit fabrics and easy to wear tops!

Enter... the StyleArc Nina cardigan, Sewaholic Belcarra and Itch to Stitch Lindy
Petal skirt, hence the title Ninacarralindy - like it?

StyleArc Nina cardigan
I made this up for the first time in May, it's a great pattern and can be cut out and made up really quickly. I think I can now cut it out in about an hour and a half and can sew it up in about 3 hours! That's a quick made and instant gratification!

StyleArc patterns come from Australia. When you look through the images on their website, there are just line drawings, but some items on the website do have photographs of made up versions once you click through. When ordering the patterns, you just order your size. These are not multi-sized patterns. They come in a clear wallet and also include a small sample of the suggested fabric which I think is a nice touch.

The pattern pieces include seam allowances. The instructions are brief. There are certainly not lots of images to keep Nikki happy! However, this cardigan is simple enough even I can make it up without lots of images :-) The sleeves are attached, followed by the sleeve and side seams in one go. Next the bottom section is attached followed by the collar. Easy!

I made the whole cardigan on my overlocker and also finished the edges with my overlocker too. I liked this part on the pattern as the pattern pieces state BabyLock the edge, and of course I have a BabyLock overlocker. Only the best for me and Style Arc!

The details

Fabric: Navy blue cotton jersey knit from the Fabric Warehouse, January 2015.

Notions: Thread and some tape to stabilise the shoulder seams and back of the neck.

Pattern: Style Arc Nina Cardigan, size 12

Changes made: None
First worn: Beginning of June for these photos. I reckon this will get a lot of wear though. It's a bit cool for the winter but come the spring it'll be in regular wear, I know!

Another one/Recommendations: I completely recommend this pattern. I love it so much, I have now made three of these cardigans! It's easy to make up, all the notches match perfectly and the drafting is really good.

Sewaholic Belcarra

This is another really quick make. I first made this pattern around Easter from a really fine fabric. This one was a whole lot easier to make up as I used quite a stiff cotton fabric. There wasn't quite enough fabric and I toyed with the idea of adding a contrast hem and cuffs. Discussing it with members of the WSBN I left it all the same fabric and just used a plain fabric as bias binding for the hem and neck so it didn't tie me down so much with matching other separates with it.

I've made up quite a few Sewaholic patterns. I really like them, the fit is great for me. This particular pattern is quick and easy to cut and make up and can be made out of minimum fabric amounts. This fabric is quite stiff cotton, but it still works well for the top.

Sewaholic instructions are great. Clear and easy to read with lots of lovely images. This was actually the first time I've bought a Sewaholic PDF pattern, which was perfect for this, since there are not lots of pages to print and stick together! It certainly saved me from using that fine thin tissue which Sewaholic patterns use.

The details

Fabric: Flowered cotton remnant from Evans of Masterton, April 2015.

Notions: Thread and navy blue cotton from stash for bias binding.

Pattern: Sewaholic Belcarra, view A, size 12.

Changes made: it's been shortened by about an inch because I ran out of fabric.
First worn: Beginning of June for these photos! 

Another one/recommendations: More pattern love. The Belcarra is easy to make up, easy to wear and can be made dressy or casual. There are so many options for fabric matching, ie cuffs, pocket, etc. I can make these up so fast now and the fifth one is planned!

Itch to Stitch Lindy Petal Skirt
So I've surpassed myself, I've actually made up three separates! This pattern was released at the beginning of May as a free pattern. Not one to turn down freebies I went to check it out. Wow! What a great surprise. It was my perfect comfy winter skirt. I've got an old RTW knit skirt which is now beginning to lose its shape. This is the perfect replacement! 

To be honest I'd happily pay for this pattern. The instructions are not half-hearted as you might expect from something free. These instructions have all the information you need included and more. There are clear diagrams showing how to lengthen the skirt, how to grade between sizes, which machine to use to make it up, etc... The list is endless!

I actually cut this out in an hour and then made it up in about three. All done in one day! I've lengthened it by an inch and a half just to make it more work friendly, particularly with the petal front (I'm about 5'6"). The whole skirt was made up in my overlocker. I used my normal machine to attach the waistband down and to sew the double hem at the bottom. The fit is great. The waist bad has knitted elastic encased in it to give it a lovely snug fit. Even so this skirt is great if you've had a big meal! It's also really good for rolling up if I go away for work as well as being so comfy for working from home in. I honestly have no complaints at all, anywhere!

The details

Fabric: Grey double knit with a herringbone pattern from the Fabric Warehouse, May 2015. Sorry, the fabric won't photograph well for a close up!

Notions: Thread and knitted elastic for the waistband. 

Pattern: Itch to Stitch Lindy Petal skirt, size M

Changes made: Lengthened by 1.5 inches.
First worn: As soon as I'd made it up at the end of May! I just couldn't help myself. It's certainly going to get a lot of wear. 

Another one/Recommendations: Ahem, well if you want pattern love, look no further! OK I'm gushing but do I care? Nope, not a bit! I guess not everyone would like this skirt, but if it's your kind of skirt go get it! Easy to make, easy to wear, what else can a girl want? My second one has already been made up and is in regular wear!

And all made conveniently in time for The Monthly Stitch Indie Pattern Month Separates week.

 

Oh and wanna see what happens when a good friend takes your photos...

Gillian awesomeness

Now I love a wrap dress as much as the next, but never until now have I found a wrap dress which fits, doesn't gape and just makes me want to wear it all the time.

This if you haven't guessed is the Muse Patterns Gillian dress. Yes I know it's from the creative mind of my great friend Kat from the WSBN, but honestly I am NOT biased. Just read the reviews elsewhere on the Interwebs and you'll believe me!

I decided to use the red contrast as the blue flowery knit is quite a fine knit and the red gives it considerably more stability where it needs it. Even though I had two completely different knit fabrics, they work really well together.

I cut this out at the beginning of May and it went together so quickly. Kat's instructions are clear and easy to follow. I got a bit confused with the waistband to begin with, but I was suffering from the beginnings of lurgy and probably my head wasn't really thinking straight! Looking at the instructions now, they make perfect sense and I think a really novel way of creating the waistband with the gap through which to put the tie through. The instructions have lots of images - you all know by now how much I like images! Pictures, give me pictures!

I didn't really know what length to cut, I went with the longest version and am completely happy with it. It is the perfect length to me, I'm about 5'5', sorry I think that's about 165cm in new money. I wasn't completely sure how long the skirt would be, the pattern states the top length and the skirt length. I wasn't completely certain if this translated into the length of the skirt for the dress as well, but this is the perfect length. Since this is also a knit, I didn't worry about the cup size. This Muse pattern is for a B cup, which certainly isn't me, but, this works. I didn't show it, but this wrap dress does not gape - yay!! Oh and the best bit about the bodice - the gathers onto the yoke.

This pattern has three sleeve lengths, I went for the 3/4 elbow length sleeves. I love this length sleeves. They are perfect in my mind.

The details

Fabric: Plain red knit and blue floral knit from the Fabric Warehouse, January 2015.

Notions: Thread and some tape to stabilise the shoulder seams.

Pattern: Muse Gillian dress size 38, I'm actually between sizes, so went for the smaller one, this is a perfect fit.

Changes made: None
First worn: Middle of May, I couldn't help but wear it as soon as I'd made it! These photos were taken at the end of May when it was a wee bit chilly!

Another one/Recommendations: I completely recommend this pattern. The drafting is fantastic, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Oh and did I say it fits perfectly with no gape? I already have another planned, so watch this space.

Conveniently I've made this up in time for the first week of Indie Pattern Month from The Monthly Stitch!

Nina in red...

It all began with my fellow WSBN friend Nina... She has made so many of these I just has to copy since I love a longer length cardi... And, oh my! I have found pattern love! Trust me, this is lurve!! ;-)

I bought this pattern printed and just couldn't wait for it to come through the post. I'd bought the fabric before the pattern - oops! Style Arc patterns have little instructions. They are quite brief with few pictures. Now for those who know me, this is hard, I'm a pictures kinda gal and if you're pattern instructions don't have images, well I'm generally not interested... Saying that, this is NOT a difficult pattern to make up!

Now if you've not made a Style Arc pattern, you are in for a treat. I'm not the most careful of people when it comes to notches, etc on pattens and these patterns are drafted so well. Everything lined up to perfection, I had no strange overhangs at the end of seams, no out of place notches. I was definitely impressed. I think I made this up in an afternoon! That's quick for me!

The whole cardigan was put together on my overlocker. I used my machine to attach binding tape to the shoulder seams and back of the neck and I used the double needle to finish the cuffs. I also used the overlocker to edge the front drape. Reason why? The pattern says to "BabyLock edge" Quite convenient that I have a BabyLock really :-)

The details

Fabric: Red jersey knit from the Fabric Warehouse, January 2015.

Notions: Thread and tape for the shoulder seams, and back of neck.

Pattern: Style Arc Nina cardigan, size 14

 

 

Changes made: None
First worn: Middle of April sometime. As soon as I'd finished it, it had to be worn! Worn here for photos at Fabric-a-Brac last weekend with a RTW top, Stepalica Zlata skirt (a gift from Sandra) and shoes from Overland.

Another one/Recommendations: Yep definitely. Another is already cut out and ready to make up. I really recommend this pattern. It is so quick and easy to make up. The fit is great. This red cardi is getting so much wear already. I love it.