I made a dress...

... or two! Today I'd like to tell you about two variations on a Japanese pattern from the second Stylish Dress Book. The design is M, it's a short-sleeved babydoll dress with daisy embroidery and rik rak around the neckline:


How cute, right? I love that dress as it is and I will probably make it one day but first I wanted to try it a little differently :)
For the first version I used some striped rayon -talk about stash busting! I bought it in francs- and purple cotton. When I was younger I used to be a bit (a lot) of an anime geek and black and white striped garments with dashes of bright red, pink or purple are quite the rage in some of these, so I had always wanted to make something in this spirit. Well I'm happy to report that the result doesn't look too costume-y to be worn^^:




I cut a size 9 but I lowered the bust darts by 1" and lengthened the bodice by 1" too. I cut the back in one piece to avoid extra volume -it's a habit when I sew with Japanese patterns unless I want to end up with a parachute- and I added the tie to give the dress a little shape. It's very comfy, the fabric stays cool despite the current high temperatures and I even have enough room for my large back, shoulders and arms.
That's why I'm a bit disappointed that the other dress I made with the exact same changes and even an extra inch in the sleeves turned out a little tight to say the least^^. I used red poplin and I could finally start to bust my velvet ribbon stash with it! It doesn't look bad but I have a hard time moving my arms in it:

You can't see them but there are two velvet ties at the bodice's sides.

I guess a stiffer fabric will make a difference! I'm going to try and wear it to the restaurant tonight -I hope yummy Chinese food won't go into my arms first- because at least there's plenty of room for my belly^^ Have a nice week, see you!

The Hem-isphere challenge: part one!

Hello everyone, I hope you had a nice weekend, I got a bit busy and so I couldn't post at the same time as Zoe the Grand did about the outcome of our first Hem-isphere project!
Here's a pic of the awesome nautical themed vintage top she made from my modest offerings^^:


For this miscellaneous swap Zoe had sent me two dress patterns from the 60's and 70's and yards of blue checkered fabric -and a cute little badge^^:


I had chosen the mini smock dress and had made a muslin and it did look great but when I laid the pieces on the final fabric I realised that I would wear my garment much more if it was a simpler top. Enters the second Stylish Dress Book and its "U" tunic that I was dying to try and here's my absolute favourite top of the moment:



I didn't put the sleeves and the gathers at the hem and I like it as it is! As always with Japanese patterns it was very straightforward, a front and a back piece and a collar on the bias and that was it.
I'm really grateful for this challenge, the first episode was so much fun, I can't wait for the next one! And PS I made the denim shorts too and I'm wearing them all the damn time :) See you soon with more creations!

Valentine's Day dress

Warning: smug face pics ahead.



Well, what can I say, I LOVE this dress! First, its origins deserve a little explanation: by now you must think that being French sucks, what with all the sh***y trouble with that damn Euro but on the other hand did you know that we can purchase a SIMPLICITY AND NEW LOOK PATTERNS MAGAZINE every 3 month?! Dozens of US patterns in all sizes that we would otherwise have to pay 12€ one are ours for 6€! I found the pattern to today's dress in the latest issue of this "Tendances couture":


I made a muslin first because I wasn't sure of the sizing which strangely varies from one model to the other, I had some minor adjustements to make regarding the neckline -I'm not a fan of deeeep décolletés- and center back seam and after that the dress came together like a dream!
I used black cotton lawn with a slightly Japanese print -yummy chrisanthemums- that I found in a local shop and I lined the bodice with black polycotton. I'm quite happy with my lining since I didn't follow the magazine's steps -I actually have a hard time understanding them- and I had to plan how to proceed.



Oh and just for your information, a few minutes after those photos were taken I went out and got showered by some unexpected rain :( Fate is against me^^
Happy Chocolates' Day anyway, see you!

I'm a very lucky blogger!

Indeed, I'm delighted to share the news with you that 2012 is going to be the year of my collaboration with the awesome Zoe in a project called Hem-isphere :)
It all started when I saw her Poetry and Clothing challenge in 2011, I too wanted to have some super cool and gorgeous garments made by her -yes I'm opportunistic like that!- so I asked her if she'd like to work on an exchange project with me. You'd think that just because she works in Traderemade, organises almost single-handedly Brighton Craftaganza, has launched the Me-Made challenges, analyses and writes about the sewing industry, consumption and women-related problems and sews amazing things in what is left of her free time she wouldn't be available... Well, she graciously said yes! But having sewn for her friend she advised me against making stuff for each other because of the unavoidable fitting issues so we settled on exchanging notions packages every two month to make our own garment/accessory. We'll also try and use stuff from our stash as mush as possible.
For our first swap we didn't choose a specific topic so here are the very random things I sent her -photo courtesy of Zoe since I forgot to take one:


The pattern is a 60's blouse, loose fitting with kimono sleeves and a peter pan collar or fitted and sleeveless. As they say on the enveloppe you can add a simple dirndl skirt to have a fabulous ensemble! The belt buckle is real vintage, dating back from the 60's too, the sequined anchor appliqué had been in my stash since 2000 and the only thing I bought for this occasion is the beige trim.
And now this is the excellent package I received from her:

OMG I want to make these two patterns! I love that 60's dress with the ties and the gathered shoulders but I'm fond of the 70's mini smock. And that fabric is so soft and cute! Can you imagine the front yoke detail in the bias with contrasting piping? And look at that adorable little badge:


I have already gotten started on a muslin for the pattern I chose and it's looking great so far, I may have managed to snatch myself a little Zoe modjo^^ We should post about our respective projects in February and then we'll have our next swap in March. I'm so excited about this collaboration, I can't even wait for the next round!

Burda shorts

Another day, another pair of shorts! I think I love them more than skirts, you can walk, sit, pick up stuff and all without being restricted and fearing your panties will show . I found the pattern in the December issue of Burda mag, they're the leather -eeeewwwww I HATE leather clothes with a passion- high-waisted ones. I got a little carried away and made a size 38 alas after Christmas and my vacation the shorts are a bit tight. I'm glad I put a handpicked zipper on the side or else that thing wouldn't have closed^^. I love the fabric however, it's cotton with some sort of faded/autumn hues Hawaiian print.


Have a nice weekend, see you!

Top and skirt

What an exciting title! I actually made these two garments a few weeks ago but I took pics today. Did you know that I got this amazing, all-option camera for Christmas but that it won't stand on its own like the old one and that as a consequence I'm back to using said old, half broken camera^^?


Anyway, let's start with the shirt: it's a 70's Style pattern already used and worn quite often, I had to make a few alterations what with my sway back and the fact that it wouldn't have sleeves, the fabric is sweet gingham and I love those crystal like buttons.


Now for the skirt, I had been wanting a bias skirt forever and I finally summoned all my courage to cut one out of that cute millefiori cotton fabric. I found the pattern in an old Japanese book, it was seriously easy to make and I hemmed the skirt 2 days after letting it hang. Still I had to do my hemming twice^^ but the result looks okay.


See you!

Happy new year!

Hello, so sorry I haven't posted in such a long time, I've been busy and have sewn so many things and all I have to show you is this one bag :( BUT let me say it's no ordinary bag since it's made of beautiful Japanese linen, I adore it and I wear it every single day! Have a very happy new year, big kisses and wishes to all of you!




See you!