Les Fleurs Folk Birds Mini Skirt

So its mini because I was tight and only bought 1 meter of this amazing fabric. Fortunately not so mini that its scandalous but it will require tights...or minimal bending...



This beautiful fabric is Rifle Paper Co. 'Les Fleurs - Folk Birds' by Cotton + Steel bought from the lovely Crafty Mastermind during their advent sale. It's quite heavy weight for clothing, a linen canvas, but works well as a skirt and holds it's shape.
 

 I modified the Simple Sew Duo of Skirts by chopping off some length to fit the fabric I had and omitting the back walking slit. The best bit is that it is lined....mmmm yes it is, with soft gold satin! (Stash busting at its best). Nice and silky and hopefully won't stick to tights when walking - this has yet to be tested.

It's the first make of 2017 and whilst not perfect, I like it :) The best bit is the lovely button at the back. I think I have inherited this from my late nan/late mum's stash of buttons but can't be sure - but its a pearl button with an amazing floral design painted on top. So determined to use this button I tried to make a button hole 4 times...threads shredded, holes were made, unpicking of the highest order took place....before I gave up and called The Fabric Wrangler in a hissy fit because it wouldn't work. 'Too thick it is' came the oracle's reply. 'Hook and Eye you need....'.



On it went easy as that...the button is just stitched on as decoration. Must remember not to just shove this in the washing machine!!



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Happy New Year 2017!

Happy New Year everyone!

At the end of the year I enjoy having a reflect and look back on what happened and what changed - and with regards to sewing 2016 for me was a game changer. Looking back over the projects I made I definitely saw progress from 2015, refining skills and getting better. I think this is mostly down to having taken a college course run by The Fabric Wrangler - who is now my partner in crime for Norwich Sewcials that we set up together in August!

It was interesting to list my makes - of which there were about 18, and see which were the hits and misses - but most importantly why.

My top 3 hits were:
  • Scout tee - this patten by Grainline Studio is hands down THE best drafted pattern I have tried to date.
  • Lark dresses  - another Grainline Studio pattern that has so many versions it has been incredibly versatile. A fantastic staple to all tee types and dress hacks
  • Ogden Cami - by True Bias, another seemingly simple top that I actually found quite tricky to make, but the clean lines and drape are lovely - I actually have not worn this yet though!

Ogden Cami in viscose rayon
All my favs were clean, simple, comfortable and uncomplex but skilled pieces - which meant they were practical for my lifestyle. My work wear is 'smart casual', I do sport, I like being comfy at home and I rarely go 'Out Out' (I highly encourage you to click that link) to anything posh. I also HAVE to be comfortable otherwise I'm just grumpy.

All my 'miss' makes had fussy details, ill-fitting patterns and were uncomfortable/impractical to wear (way too fancy for day wear/too short or too sheer etc).

This reminds me very much of Randomly Happy's talk at the Sewing Weekender on a wearable and meaningful wardrobe. So 2017 sewing resolution - sew for the lifestyle! In my early 20s I liked tight clothes and heels - now getting to mid 30's I like flats and simple yet chic outfits - I need to just embrace that go with it.Now that's not to say it has to be boring as I do still like a quirky print!

Another consideration for the coming year is time - realistically I only get chance to sew at the weekend, and even then not every weekend because...life. A conscious choice not to rush myself or feel like I have to plough through a 'to do list' needs to occur. So whilst I've chosen a few makes for 2017 I'll not beat myself up if I didn't do them. That is also one of the reasons I have also bowed out of the Simple Sew Bloggers Team (although best of luck to the lades that remain :)

To embrace the #2017makenine happening over on Instagram - here are my picks for the coming year!


1. Sointu Kimono Tee by Named - an interesting spin on a classic tee
2. Adeline Dress by Style Arc - not a brand I've tried before but there's some great versions on the web right now
3. Driftless Cardigan by Grainline Studio - because I've not really done knitwear before and who wouldn't want a massive cosy cardy in January (Australians perhaps).
4. Mystery dress by Closet Case Files?!?! - ok so this doesn't actually exist yet but Heather made this beauty in summer 2015 and everyone went wild for it. My prediction/hope is that she brings this out as an official pattern this year!
5. M6044 - not a new pattern to me - but I'd like to do more selfless sewing and make my Dad a version :)
6. Watson Bra - this was on last year's list of things to make but I chickened out/didn't have time. THIS YEAR!!! And again, why wouldn't you want comfy lounge wear.
7. Emerson Pants - I tried to make the shorts version of this but messed it up as my overlocker broke before I went on holiday. They never got finished but some culottes style trousers would be good
8. Emery Dress - I am 99% sure that I will not like the style of this on me however I feel compelled to make it as its a bit of a classic - curiosity getting better of me
9. Sew Over It Ultimate Trousers! - I would quite like to take the online class

I have enjoyed browsing the #2017makenine pics on Instgram - what will you be making this year? :)

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