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Topics - datcat23

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1
Current Projects / Christmas Craft 2023
« on: July 10, 2023, 11:46:45 AM »
DON'T PANIC !!!    :faints:

It July people, I waited this year for a bit.  I know that I traumatise you all every year, mentioning the "c" word. 

But, I need to save you.  So here we go, brace yourselves.


This topic is a gathering place, to document your sewing plans, promises, wish lists or search for ideas ..... for ..... Christmas. 

So my sewing/gifting plans are as follows:

1.  for work friends:  embroidered headset pouches (with the embroidery matched to the person).
2.  for sewing group friends:   fabric shopping bags
3.  for home:  embroidery - free-standing lace angel for the tree. 

Obviously closer to xmas, there will be fudge, rum balls, ginger nut biscuits, mint crisps (new recipe for me), and coconut love letters.  And of course, hubby will spring a last minute request on me as usual. 

So be brave, lets support each other to avoid that last minute rush leading up to xmas. 

2
In the wardrobe / Upcycled Tunic Dress
« on: January 01, 2023, 07:15:17 AM »
I finished 2022, and began 2023 with the same pattern. 

I used the Everyday Chic dress pattern, todays sew however, is an upcycling effort.  Both parts are thrift store finds. 

The top was originally a shift dress, that fit me in the bust, but tight across the tummy and bum.  In the past I would have just cut straight across at the underbust, cut away a few inches from the middle, reattach the skirt with perhaps a box pleat in front and back.  This dress, however, was the same width  all the way down, and that technique would not work.   I used the bodice pattern to cut across the dress, rotating the dart to the underbust area.  You will notice that I orignally put the pattern piece too low on the top.  I had to cut 1.5inches off the bottom edge, and redo the darts.   

Cityscape tunic by Dani, on Flickr

The skirt part was originally a sheet I think .... not sure exactly, basically a hemmed piece of fabric, made up of panels.  I struggled to use this piece in the past, because each panel print individually was too narrow for anything for me, and were too close to each edge, meaning I had no blank spaces I could use..

Cityscape tunic by Dani, on Flickr 

I seamed two of the panels together for the front and back.  When you are doing this, its a good idea to press the seam open, as it limits the bulk at the seam, hopefully making the seam a bit unobtrusive.

Cityscape tunic by Dani, on Flickr

And then used the skirt pattern to cut out the skirts, adding a small amount of width for some extra pleats, plus of course pockets.   

Cityscape tunic by Dani, on Flickr


3
Current Projects / QAYG baby quilt - turquoise aussie fabrics
« on: November 18, 2022, 10:16:54 AM »
This was a very silly project.  Last weekend, it occurred to me, that I had some aussie themed baby fabrics in the stash, and a work colleague was going on maternity leave.  She hasn't broadcast what gender she is having, so I thought this lovely shade of turquoise would be a good gender neutral option.  I finished it yesterday, and gifted it to her today at our farewell lunch.

This is a QAYG quilt.  I did a search online for free 8.5in block designs and picked one.  The fabric is from a couple of fat quarter packs I picked up from Aldi.  I sandwiched up each individual block, and then quilted them with my embroidery machine.  The embroidery designs are called Sky Nursery, but I can't remember where I got them.  Then I just join the squares, using the seam allowance as the sashing on the front. 

Turquoise baby quilt by Dani, on Flickr

The backing fabric is from the grunge range, and I used some of it in the blocks, to tie it all together. 

Turquoise baby quilt by Dani, on Flickr

Its such a gentle coloured quilt.

Turquoise baby quilt by Dani, on Flickr

And of course, we have to show off the back.

Turquoise baby quilt by Dani, on Flickr

4
Patterns Discussion / Pattern suggestin for Silk/Linen
« on: October 30, 2022, 21:14:31 PM »
Good morning folks, I am looking for a pattern suggestion for a tricky fabric.

Recently I purchased some vintage silk/linen fabric.  Now I am not precious about my fabrics, vintage or not, they get used.  I don't believe in "saving" fabric just because its old.

Now when I ordered this fabric, I had the expectation of it being a soft, drapey fabric, suited perhaps for a lagenlook like dress/tunic.  When I received it, it had quite a papery feel, very stiff.  No matter I thought, it just needs a wash to get rid of any sizing.  So wash it I did, although in respect to the silk, I did not tumble dry.  While softer, it still has a very firm, stiff feel to it. 

So, what do I make with it?  Do I persist with a lagenlook style dress?  or interline it (its quite see through) and make a fit'n'flare dress?  Or a button down shirt?  For reference I have 3 metres x 110cm wide.  Would love some suggestions.

Silk Linen fabric by Dani, on Flickr

5
Current Projects / Christmas Craft 2022
« on: July 02, 2022, 13:07:03 PM »
 :dance:   Yep, its that time again, time for Datty to give you peeps the heebeejeebies ..... and mention ....... the "C" word.   :devil:

My aim in life, is to help you all avoid that envitable spiral of doom, that can be xmas sewing.

So start your planning, and don't be afraid to share any links or tutes you have found.  Lets get started!!!

So, I have a very small group to sew for this year, my new job just means that I no longer have to sew for an excessive number of people.

1:  4 X machine embroidered xmas tree baubles (there will also be fudge and peppermint slices) - work peeps
2:  6 x lined shopping bags - sewing group peeps
3.  8 hemmed linen napkins and 3d printed napkin rings - very good family friends
4.  things not yet planned for nephews and niece
5.  things not yet planned for MIL
6.  things not yet planned for hubby and children.
7.  Quite likely hubby will ask me to make something for his work peeps, at the last minute.

Anyways ..... join in, and plan away.  Get strarted, so that xmas can be enjoyable.

6
Current Projects / Christmas Craft 2021
« on: July 27, 2021, 12:48:37 PM »
 :faints:  Yep, its that time again, when I suck draw you all in  :grouphug: to collectively encourage each other, to get our sewing planned and completed in time, so we aren't panicking at the end of the year. 

So lets get it over with ..... CHRISTMAS !  XMAS !  FELIZ NAVIDAD!  the season for giving!   :scream:

Now, for the uninitiated ..... I do this every year, encourage all to start planning, start sewing early, and enjoy the process.  As usual I started planning in February, but don't mess with you all that early.

I only have a small number to sew for this year, so am keeping it fairly simple, with embroidered table napkins, and probably some fudge, rum balls and gingernuts.  I may sew for family this year, but I have no idea what I will make.

Now .... your turn. 

7
In the wardrobe / Ugly shift dress upcycle
« on: February 28, 2021, 06:41:27 AM »
I picked up one of these sleeveless shift dress, from the local charity store.  Its a very heavy woven fabric, sort of like a heavy linen, with some pretty embroidery on the bottom third.  Aside from the fact that it has zero shape to it at all, also as a result of me being so short, the dress reaches the floor when I put it on.  It only just fits around my belly, but was quite baggy around the bust, and certainly too big across the upper back.  I think a potato sack with a belt, would look more stylish.

Shift dress upcycle by Dani, on Flickr

The first thing I do is cut off across just under the bust.  Then from the top of what is now a skirt, cut off about 20cm. 

Shift dress upcycle by Dani, on Flickr

To add some shaping to the bodice, I put some little box pleats at the front, and some darts in the back. 

Shift dress upcycle by Dani, on Flickr    Shift dress upcycle by Dani, on Flickr

..... more to follow. 

8
The Show Must Go On / Mary Poppins Costume - Project Log
« on: January 30, 2021, 23:07:55 PM »
I have a major project for the year.  DD is a primary school teacher, and book week is in August.  Usually making anything for her is a last minute rush, so I am pushing her to decide ahead of time, so it can be planned for.  Given the theme "old worlds, new worlds, other worlds", I have suggested, and she agree's with, Mary Poppins.

Now, the components are walking skirt, frilly white blouse, red necktie, longline jacket, white gloves, umbrella, hat with flowers, and carpet bag,.  (not my photo - source  https://www.surfandsunshine.com/diy-mary-poppins-costume/



Given its a costume and doesn't need to be strictly period accurate, I am working on the premise of using existing patterns to get the "feel".  She would love an 1890's walking skirt, so I am wondering if I should splash out for the pattern  (if I do, where do I get it?).  Otherwise I have a 6 gore pattern (style D), I could add an extra pleated panel to the back .... WDYT?  The jacket is a complete mystery, and I will tackle that after the skirt. 

I would love to hear any suggestions, and recommendations of patterns.  Given she doesn't like wool (and its too hot here, even in winter), suggestions of fabric would be great too.

Possible skirt pattern - Simplicity 5914 - view D adding extra width to the centre back gore to be taken up in pleats.  Possible issues, it doesn't have a waistband.  If I interline the fabric, and give it a faced hem for the swish factor, then it might need more support than a faced waistband could give. 



This project may require me to break my fabric diet, but oh well, it probably wouldn't have lasted anyway.  :devil:





9
Current Projects / I'm Blue ... dabu de dabu da
« on: August 26, 2020, 09:50:36 AM »
I'm Blue ..... dabu de dabu da

I am having a break from work for the week, and trying to finish off a few projects.  This one was waiting for the borders, but I had to faff about a bit, to get the right look at the corners.  I don't often name my quilts, but this one has been called "Blue Eyed Boy" even before I started it.  Its for my son, probably for xmas.   I used the left over 1/2 square triangles, after making the diamonds in the middle of the blocks, to make the zigzaggy corners. 

Blue eyed boy quilt by Dani, on Flickr

Blue eyed boy quilt by Dani, on Flickr


10
In the wardrobe / Phoenix tshirt
« on: June 20, 2020, 08:53:46 AM »
What do you do when you have more than a dozen items on your to-do list?  Why you cut out something completely different of course, and sew it up. 

This is my TNT (tried n true pattern) for a tshirt. Jalie Raglan shirt.  I make so many of these, replacing them as they wear out.  The fabric is a panel and coordinate that I purchased online from a store that no longer exists.  The panel wasn't quite wide/long enough, so I needed to add some of the coordinate to the sides, and a little bit at the front neck.

Phoenix tshirt. by Dani, on Flickr

Phoenix tshirt. by Dani, on Flickr

Phoenix tshirt. by Dani, on Flickr

11
Current Projects / Christmas Craft 2020
« on: June 07, 2020, 01:01:05 AM »
 :scream:  She said it  ..... she really said it!    :faints:

Well people its that time again.  Time for datty to scare the bejesus out of everyone, by saying the "C" word, way too early.

We have have had plague, sadness and civil unrest, and in Australia, we have also had a summer of fire.  The economy and our collective sanity, are taking a battering. 

I am a bit rudderless this year.  I am in a different job, and the usual excessive gift giving I do, isn't required.  I will still be sewing for my previous manager and office mates, but not the extended group that I used to.  And at this point, I have no idea what I might do. 

For my nephews, I think I am going to find a golf club cover pattern, and embroider them some covers.  I might also pull my focus back, and look at sewing more for my immediate family.  Maybe the traditional xmas pj's, something I have never done before.  And I am going to encourage hubby to resurrect his HP keys 3d printing project.  I have an organza embroidery file for a xmas tree angel - I might work on that.   

And gift bags ..... definitely gift bags. 

Don't be scared, a little bit of planning won't hurt ..... I promise. 

12
In the wardrobe / French Terry tunic
« on: May 10, 2020, 07:54:38 AM »
Today's finish is a french terry tunic based on the Cashmerette Washington Dress pattern I used a couple of weeks ago.  I still cut the different panels, but I drafted off a bigger size to give myself more ease.  Rather than using a mix of knits/wovens, I used the same knit for all the panels.  I think I need some more french terry, to make more of these. 

Sweater tunic by Dani, on Flickr

13
In the wardrobe / New Pinny - just for me
« on: May 04, 2020, 23:33:31 PM »
I have made a few of these now, and each one is the new favourite, when I have finished it.  The York Pinafore from Helens Closet

This one is in floral denim from my local fabric store.  I left off the patch pockets, using a inseam pocket from a pair of pants I love.  So the print is unbroken, but I have lovely, usefully deep pockets.  I predict that I will be living in these this winter.

Rosed Pinafore by Dani, on Flickr

Rosed Pinafore by Dani, on Flickr

14
In the wardrobe / Washington Dress
« on: April 12, 2020, 00:58:02 AM »
Faced with a long list of "waiting to be finished" projects on my cutting table, of course I started a new project.  I have had this pattern for quite some time, and have been timid about doing it.  I decided to take a punt, dive right in, and brass it out.  Meaning, I did not do a muslin.   :P

This is the Washington Dress from Cashmerette.  Top is some random cotton/lycra from the stash, middle is ponte, and bottom is printed drill, also from deep in the stash.  I am really happy with the fit, although negative ease on the bodice will take getting used to. 

I am already thinking of adaptions..... skirt adaption:  double layer on the waistband, and then taper the skirt to be straight, and then do both sections in ponte.  It bears thinking about.

Washington Dress by Dani, on Flickr

15
In the wardrobe / Purple cardigan
« on: March 15, 2020, 07:05:58 AM »
This cardigan has been sitting on my cutting table for most of the summer.  The fabric is a butter soft sweater knit (well marinated - can't remember the source) and an absolute dog to sew.  But, it makes a sweet waterfall front cardigan.  The pattern is the SBCC Limoncello Cardigan (SB314).  Adjustments: omit the second layer on the front waterfall section (just hem the edges) as I find its just too heavy, and lengthen the sleeves.   I also finished a pair of black pants, but its too hard to photograph anything black. 

Limoncello cardigan by Dani, on Flickr

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