Smokey Grey

The trouble with having an overlocker is that it’s so quick and easy that it can get you into bad habits 😉 So on this project, on my regular machine, I was determined to get back to basics, slow down and enjoy the process…

The pattern is New Look K6217 which is a very non-shoutie, freebie pack that came with a magazine. The material is a beautiful, smokey grey, triple (can you get single and double too?) crepe from John Lewis. It cost £22 per metre originally, but was on half price sale. This is still more than I’d usually pay, but I’m fast learning that nicer fabrics in simple shapes are what get worn most. I’d originally bought it with a BHL Charlotte in mind, but thought that this simple, looser style would make a nice change. And I’m glad I did, I’m really pleased with this simple shape with its cheeky, little side split (see below).

The pattern consisted of just two pieces, so I slowed right down, pressing at each at every point, unheard of for me! I substituted a standard zip for my favourite invisible one and used bias binding in a tonal shade, rather than the ’twill tape’ recommended. Is ’twill tape’ an American thing? I got so engrossed it getting everything neat and tidy on this that I totally forgot to add the lining I’d cut out. Doh! I’d love to know when you get to the point where there isn’t always something…. However, at least this ‘something‘ wasn’t to do with the actual make, well kind of! And I now have a lining for another skirt project, all cut out and ready to go: any excuse!

And did you notice? The black tights are off! Finally! Hurrah! There’s been a glimmer of Spring in the air this week and about time too…

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The Elisalex Revisited

It was back in April when I originally posted about attempting to run before I could walk with this dress. I seriously got somewhat ahead of myself in terms of my skills level 😉 Back then, I got some really useful tips from both Sharon at petiteandsewing.blogspot.co.uk and Barbara-Jane from babarajanemade.com on how to go about fixing some of the problems I encountered. Thank you ladies! However, since I made it in tweed-like fabrics, the heaviness of it had put me off revisiting it again until now. The Monthly Stitch’s ‘Amnesty Month’ gave me the kick I needed…

What’s really good about revisiting old projects is that you realise how much you’ve progressed! Seriously, my ‘finish’ on this was truly awful! I’m still a long way from perfect, but progress has definitely been made 🙂

Before

The main problem with this make, and the one that made me most reluctant to wear it, was the unflattering length. So the first thing I did, following the advice referred to above, was to unpick and remove the original zip which was a pretty ugly, big plastic one anyway. The second main problem was the fit of the bodice.

So, as I replaced the zip with a much shorter (and prettier one), I took the bodice in a little either side of the zip. Once in, the shorter zip allowed me to chop off a good few inches off the length of the skirt to a more wearable length.

I was then left with the task of hand sewing the bodice lining back to my outer fabric. But this time, a whole lot more neatly. It’s still not my favourite make, but at least I can now wear it out, although probably only for work. Just in time for the cooler weather.

And after!

 

Blog Hop Time

Many thanks to Jamie from jamiesews.wordpress.com and Amanda from aebgledhill.wordpress.com who both nominated me for similar blog hops this week. Jamie, who hails from the US, sews and sells her own stunning children’s clothes. Amanda, much nearer over in Leeds, has been sewing since she was seven and uses the most beautiful fabrics to create her lovely, homemade wardrobe. Thank you ladies!

The aim of the blog hop is for bloggers to get to know each other a little better. So, without further ado, here are my answers…

 

Why do I write?

Quite simply because I got bored of my husband’s seriously, non-plussed reactions to my creations! Seriously, a girl needs more than a cursory ‘lovely darling!’ 

I don’t know anyone else who sews in ‘real’ life, so blogging seemed the perfect way of connecting with other like-minded people 🙂 And it has been truly lovely to chat with so many generously-minded and inspiring sewers out there 🙂

What am currently working on?

I’ve just finishing reworking an unloved Elisalex, that didn’t quite work out first time around, and has been languishing in my wardrobe ever since. It’s still not my finest moment, but it’s certainly looking a lot better.

How does it differ from others of its genre?

This is definitely the hardest of these questions to answer! I’m really not convinced that it is that different from others of its kind. I guess every blog has a little of its writer’s personality in it, so maybe that’s as near as I can get to answering this one…

How does my writing process work?

I vaguely plan a couple of posts in my head for the following week. I draft one post at a time, always revisiting the next day, to reduce the waffle. I always write far too much, so I find this process to be really useful to ensure my posts are clear and as waffle-free as I can manage.

The hardest part is always getting the photographs taken. I sacked my lack-lustre husband a while ago, as being pretty tall, he insisted on shooting down, thus ensuring I always looked ridiculously short and stumpy. My two children are much more forgiving, but amuse themselves no end snapping away when I’m least ready…

 

I’d like to pass the baton on to Beth of AfterDarkSewing.wordpress.com who squeezes her sewing into the evenings once her two daughters are in bed. She’s currently and admirably taking part in Sew Selflessly and her posts always make me smile.

My second shout out goes to Kyla, over in Wyoming, who blogs at lifebyky.com, about crafting, her two dogs and her role as a pharmacist for the US airforce. Her weekly Sunday Sew posts are full of sewing inspiration.