Monday, January 26, 2009

Fauxhalter

I got this seventies pattern (sans cover) at the Lost and Found market the other week.


I wanted a fauxhalter (that is, looks like a halter but has a back) so I cut away some of the sleeve - I think I might scoop out a bit more. Sadly, the zip is pretty bad - I didn't have an invisible zip so I used a normal one - it's very rippley (and not in an Alien way) and I might have to do it again. I did a side zip instead of the back one as called for in the pattern. As you can see I am cleverly hiding it with my hand.


I also used the trusty skirt from New Look 6557 instead of the six-gore skirt in the pattern.
Fabric from Clear It in Brunswick street.

I think I need to make a few half slips - I have a fair few halter dresses which I can't wear full slips under, and also quite a stash of silk and lace trim. Plus, they will be quick to make...

Cue gratuitous picture of new and and existing kittehs in passout mode :


NB: his head isn't really three times bigger than hers - merely 1/3.

Simplicity 2848




















My first Project Runway pattern, Simplicity 2848. Lots of options is good!
The inspiration for this frock was a Cue pinny in grey flannel, so I changed the pattern a little to reflect that, by putting small pleats on the straight pinny piece and squaring off the pocket flaps.

The neckline is a little wonky. I thought I had done a better job than that, but I shall blame the very thick fabric for that...maybe I shouldn't have self-lined the yoke.

It doesn't look as wrinkly in real life, I don't like these photos much at all, yet I like the dress a lot.

I didn't make the blouse, but it was another reason I needed a black pinafore, it's sheer and tent-like and I find it unwearable on its own, but- pink!black!spots!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Black skirt: Burda 7947

I have made a few black skirts, yet I never seem to reach for the black skirts I've made without wishing they were in different weight fabric, were a bit longer, were a bit more flattering, were higher/lower waisted. Or maybe I just get sick of them/the style quickly. I think this one is on the way to being a favourite for quite some time. It's Burda 7947, view C, and it is a very nice pattern indeed.

It's made in a nice thick stretch cotton, the same stuff from which I made S's Shirley dress recently, and the princessy sort of seaming front and back makes for a flattering fit.

I shortened the skirt, and didn't do the topstitching because I thought it might pucker between the topstitching and the seams a bit, and it probably wouldn't show up on the black too well anyway for all the 'sitting quietly, paying attention' it takes. This pattern starts at burda size 36, and I'm a 34, so I took in the side seams about 1cm. I also left off the belt loops; just didn't want.

Excuse the poor photo, it was 40 degrees Celcius yesterday, I wasn't going to set up a tripod or stay out there for any length of time; I didn't even press it properly...ironing = more heat. So here's the arm's length shot, sweat included.