tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24976393059996917322024-02-07T22:28:56.525-08:00something old, something newThings made 'as new' from op-shop finds of fabric and clothing. I hope my blog inspires you to remake your own finds.Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-75658619100840574402016-10-20T18:38:00.000-07:002016-10-20T18:38:00.693-07:00One year later...In memory of it being almost an entire year without a post - how very slack - I am inspired to begin blogging again. Our slow internet always put me off, but now we finally are on the NBN, I think I could be bothered again.<br />
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So I have had enormous amounts of fun in the last couple of days having a go at improvisational quilts using scraps and leftovers. I borrowed a book from Crookwell Library on a whim. I haven't been into quilts lately, have made so many in the past and even several unfinished tops lying around. I've been much more into dressmaking (more on those in upcoming posts, if I do them).<br />
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I wanted to share this quilt top. The book is great (you can see it here: http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Improv-Handbook-for-Modern-Quilters-Sherri-Wood/9781617691386).<br />
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The idea in this book is to cut freehand, no rulers; and to base your quilt on a 'score' (like a musical jazz score). So you set guidelines, such as only use striped fabric; only use curves; only use black and green; whatever you want, really. I followed a basic score for 'floating squares', and the guidelines I chose were to only use blue/purple fabrics, with a dash of red; and to use strips on three sides of each square.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeL5XDIRMGft4TJ6tXlD3O8GC5k3x43q-yr-a5PFmYl34-7OZTEf3JU6TGbRy0yLwfM29bSQU7o2kGZbOmJ6ROwq6zMbPl_MIH2GNzvqEkfd0SRl8xXbCr1Zi5qByqqJHpJWvU3T2oNU/s1600/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeL5XDIRMGft4TJ6tXlD3O8GC5k3x43q-yr-a5PFmYl34-7OZTEf3JU6TGbRy0yLwfM29bSQU7o2kGZbOmJ6ROwq6zMbPl_MIH2GNzvqEkfd0SRl8xXbCr1Zi5qByqqJHpJWvU3T2oNU/s320/photo+%252812%2529.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
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I played around with the blocks placement with light and dark. Started off alternating lights and darks but that didn't grab me. Half an hour later I had the above. A gradient diagonally up from light to dark. If you squint at it, or take your glasses off if relevant, you can see the gradient more obviously.</div>
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I really had fun doing this. No matching, no measuring except by eye, filled in any gaps as I went and as I put the rows together. I think this has reignited my love of patchwork. </div>
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Not sure what to do with the top. Might quilt it, might turn it into something else. Anyone of my lovely friends need a lap quilt....?</div>
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Now just for fun, here are some photos of quilts that I made over the past 10 years - all made with rulers and careful cutting, with a few minor exceptions. In contrast I really like the improv one, how the squares jump and move all around, and how the lights and darks work together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUWRGV5vtwOFnmjH0bGW1HzcZQrvAtwoh9eAaOMiykK32oILq7uP2qeEY9AIBwlk9YXxYBNS4cJ05i9Rb3wteoMd4mZpg_ShVxalR_NC192QkyTzrJNaAO2EjNcMFvTmeanvDMq99-0Q/s1600/eHunter%2527s+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUWRGV5vtwOFnmjH0bGW1HzcZQrvAtwoh9eAaOMiykK32oILq7uP2qeEY9AIBwlk9YXxYBNS4cJ05i9Rb3wteoMd4mZpg_ShVxalR_NC192QkyTzrJNaAO2EjNcMFvTmeanvDMq99-0Q/s320/eHunter%2527s+quilt.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
The above has some elements of 'improv' in that I pieced random strips for the centres, but then I cut them all equal widths.<br />
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This one is squares as well, cut precisely, but with some improv-ing in the borders with the strips. I did buy a lot of this fabric new, though, so don't really count it as upcycling. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62awgqgBMBpK6S_kxP7CDQViFyz4Be9LCvhpoa37T3-JcXuxjklo7t0jlK9wlH0JcKPhETOkpBRqI4vL3F4rWCQSiv5AzQ9xoZCBZckNWPz94pXDacTlKl3Jg84Cszgo9Gx_QewTY88s/s1600/eS+for+Samuel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62awgqgBMBpK6S_kxP7CDQViFyz4Be9LCvhpoa37T3-JcXuxjklo7t0jlK9wlH0JcKPhETOkpBRqI4vL3F4rWCQSiv5AzQ9xoZCBZckNWPz94pXDacTlKl3Jg84Cszgo9Gx_QewTY88s/s320/eS+for+Samuel.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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Above is similar squares but then cut into four and rejoined in a Courthouse steps variation. This is one of my favourite quilts made for an old friend's baby. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuropaH7ty_fyB1Dyr6OariwBt3qH5ASBj73Hc2AJ0ZVEGEW6DsbMY_uH5ELJFsEM_1f95IngVi6ZXd7tqcUxWbUbkUIF6SRBj_hEIjzWSqjn3n9VwOjq8VCobTB6PyCUadO6J88coYY/s1600/kites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuropaH7ty_fyB1Dyr6OariwBt3qH5ASBj73Hc2AJ0ZVEGEW6DsbMY_uH5ELJFsEM_1f95IngVi6ZXd7tqcUxWbUbkUIF6SRBj_hEIjzWSqjn3n9VwOjq8VCobTB6PyCUadO6J88coYY/s320/kites.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Above I made this one 11 years ago, my first 'proper' quilt. Very traditional to my eyes now. It was the one and only time I stitched in the ditch!!</div>
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Have a great day everyone (that is, if I still have any readers after a year!)</div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-5519553787883986302015-10-25T03:43:00.000-07:002015-10-25T03:43:13.342-07:00Memory scarf for my Mum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, October already. How does that happen? Seems like every year these days is faster than the one before it. Fitting then that I am posting here what I called a 'memory scarf', since I made it for my Mum last Christmas, and now it's nearly this Christmas!<br />
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I don't like buying Christmas (or birthday) presents; I'd much rather make them. To make this scarf, I searched through my fabric to find bits that I had either bought while I was with Mum, or once belonged to her, or were in some other way related to her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_W8lqPf3ecwsROHbhUfuwTPu7ahNFOExXoKKPjGTIm3Kp038Azd4V6TlAZBZQqCOqX5AWiAKHebdcWY-2muxqO47hMeWziYCAxJY9bv2VMJ88FLWNKsb_r9by83bTMZI_6D6QNUTf_M/s1600/after_mums+memory+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_W8lqPf3ecwsROHbhUfuwTPu7ahNFOExXoKKPjGTIm3Kp038Azd4V6TlAZBZQqCOqX5AWiAKHebdcWY-2muxqO47hMeWziYCAxJY9bv2VMJ88FLWNKsb_r9by83bTMZI_6D6QNUTf_M/s320/after_mums+memory+scarf.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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The lilac raw silk (below) was a skirt of Mum's that she had made and years later given to me to wear or use...it sat in the cupboard a few years and I realised I would likely never wear it, so it moved to my sewing cupboard. I made a few pintucks across it to add a bit of texture to the scarf. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLKLhI_mkBAAwEolkYQO2vLcdJkjzfY3-QMc3s5NQtWQ3bkZU2jMmY04_xNz8PnChKknbiHl27m01l9ioa3Zh3jcTL98cwomGW-TDEqJ5o2wNkSCYhbUs8NiYXBExu6f0lnJsjNRtXbc/s1600/after_mums+memory+scarf+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLKLhI_mkBAAwEolkYQO2vLcdJkjzfY3-QMc3s5NQtWQ3bkZU2jMmY04_xNz8PnChKknbiHl27m01l9ioa3Zh3jcTL98cwomGW-TDEqJ5o2wNkSCYhbUs8NiYXBExu6f0lnJsjNRtXbc/s320/after_mums+memory+scarf+4.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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The mauve and blue flower silk below and the dark blue silk were pieces I bought while Mum and I were in Japan back in 2008. We went on a quilting/textiles bus tour for two weeks. The flower silk was from a stall at the Yokohama Quilt Show (one of the trip's main highlights). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R7Fi7FuhToaRq4ignaHj1wwWNw2GalhEkHTi0Hm1L8kFRpmFMlmgdwTqIn8qRbhMPHhyaPA7Y-OfrwidunDkKEnHKB8LC7uvpX-YARg0S_LC-QuyQhpIn901AtT0bF73HrD5ws9NI30/s1600/after_mums+memory+scarf+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R7Fi7FuhToaRq4ignaHj1wwWNw2GalhEkHTi0Hm1L8kFRpmFMlmgdwTqIn8qRbhMPHhyaPA7Y-OfrwidunDkKEnHKB8LC7uvpX-YARg0S_LC-QuyQhpIn901AtT0bF73HrD5ws9NI30/s320/after_mums+memory+scarf+3.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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The dark blue was a secondhand piece of obi silk from a shop in Tokyo that had masses of used obi pieces for very little cost, compared to the high price of the new fabric. It seemed to me that secondhand items were not valued very highly - on the same trip I bought a beautiful kimono (that I previously made a skirt from and blogged about <a href="http://www.somethingnewfromsomethingold.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/from-kimono-to-skirt.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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The variegated ribbon (below) was from the hairpiece that Mum made me (a silk flower) for my wedding 15 years ago (thanks Mum!). The flower had seen better days but the ribbon was still good so I unpicked it and used in the scarf. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78JySYqIi7b7kPLH7OA1QS8kH9t-4JXfTCOcZuk5gJpEcQj0rOudgwi7u5pEItWuyACmzJJ0F_g0Bn37yrsT-0ON4_tq6ov2kxpTjO_nK0VAwjaotZIX3o9Pr4C4OMFV94Oa-d1UB0XA/s1600/after_mums+memory+scarf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78JySYqIi7b7kPLH7OA1QS8kH9t-4JXfTCOcZuk5gJpEcQj0rOudgwi7u5pEItWuyACmzJJ0F_g0Bn37yrsT-0ON4_tq6ov2kxpTjO_nK0VAwjaotZIX3o9Pr4C4OMFV94Oa-d1UB0XA/s320/after_mums+memory+scarf+2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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To make the scarf, all I did was piece the different sections together (about 6.5 inches wide) after pintucking the silk. Then I sewed it inside-out to a long piece of blue satin to back it, and turned it through. So there you have it - very simple to make, and a nice trip down memory lane while making it as a bonus. </div>
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Ciao for now, </div>
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Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-33302382843045125342015-07-19T23:23:00.002-07:002015-07-19T23:23:55.237-07:00Op shop gown to birthday dressIs it really almost the end of July already?<br />
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Apologies for sporadic posting. I noticed I had some actual followers on Bloglovin (yay and welcome!) so I thought it might be nice to post a project for a change.<br />
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Life has been kind of getting in the way lately, as it tends to do. This afternoon I am meant to be editing a manuscript, but since I am instead watching my sick little boy lie on the couch and my brain is currently nowhere to be found, a blog post will be a nice easy way to pass the time instead.<br />
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Before: a not-too-bad dress from Yass opshop - in fact, a pretty fancy $14 one that I waited for the right week for yellow tags to be half-price, so only $7. Since as soon as I saw it I thought "ah hah! A dress for my daughter" and would be cutting it up anyway...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdDsNITX6tx0z663k9QReGg5uV0xRR3_vEd7d99s2a8WZ1bUvAiXzMglv2_RuuBxMz5i5AIziNtszCij7IOJyrIEouFYkt5jXdzqa3-ZQRdwg_yAFaC8ns5QPKGNoVz4AAMoO4o6aDKQ/s1600/before_peacock+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdDsNITX6tx0z663k9QReGg5uV0xRR3_vEd7d99s2a8WZ1bUvAiXzMglv2_RuuBxMz5i5AIziNtszCij7IOJyrIEouFYkt5jXdzqa3-ZQRdwg_yAFaC8ns5QPKGNoVz4AAMoO4o6aDKQ/s320/before_peacock+dress.jpg" width="108" /></a></div>
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Ellie loves peacock feathers and prints so it was a no-brainer. She has no going-to-parties dresses to speak of, so for her 9th birthday I thought to honour the occasion with one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOb2SdfRgx2NLVHklVCV_gQ97PV6NVz47J9VpHXwrjW95Ca5Tavbo8FOzB8Xe3TjsR6jTfEZxEaNQ-H-jCDHKsOLNTTUbvU1ODYKcKgTKgf2Ty6KywLAAviujCh2ySB1nd1BWrqLrqyM/s1600/before_peacock+dress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOb2SdfRgx2NLVHklVCV_gQ97PV6NVz47J9VpHXwrjW95Ca5Tavbo8FOzB8Xe3TjsR6jTfEZxEaNQ-H-jCDHKsOLNTTUbvU1ODYKcKgTKgf2Ty6KywLAAviujCh2ySB1nd1BWrqLrqyM/s320/before_peacock+dress+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here's a closeup of the fabric. Not sure exactly but has a fairly floaty gauzey chiffony feel. The dress was lined as it is quite see-through.<br />
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After: I went for a pretty simple idea, using a bodice pattern (Simplicity 7610) and just gathering the original skirt to fit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPyuBI1bjkmcGjmr67Pq6E6gV5FCyaysH7RX3ixtTp2-MbXKcu9phzdvmk2SLWzA9oEx2TX-N2wY6F7Ti3y9AMk9uACpSCZYwafJuPcZX1QsRrhujAwEvj4D4eHvp9snq6DIfWWT5UhA/s1600/1photo+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPyuBI1bjkmcGjmr67Pq6E6gV5FCyaysH7RX3ixtTp2-MbXKcu9phzdvmk2SLWzA9oEx2TX-N2wY6F7Ti3y9AMk9uACpSCZYwafJuPcZX1QsRrhujAwEvj4D4eHvp9snq6DIfWWT5UhA/s320/1photo+%25281%2529.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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Umm. Did I say simple? Everything that can possibly go wrong with gathering two layers of fabric and sewing it to a bodice, went wrong. First I sewed it to the wrong side. Then I unpicked and regathered the whole skirt with no thread in the bobbin. Then I sewed it with the inside layer on top. Oh boy, I did not have luck that day. But I finally got it together:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt__1zuc1p0mVU6rThmB1dEDJ4V0eQh2cFKFlU3zVzJJq6Uu_W9W4KHNE_yPOuQSOdUnGSznWGBG-KF77ERLqjVyiCP7zjdDUpldvZ-7hd6flZFud_f2Es0HOoUNr653zF-HUEiHuOAe4/s1600/after_ellie+9th+bday+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt__1zuc1p0mVU6rThmB1dEDJ4V0eQh2cFKFlU3zVzJJq6Uu_W9W4KHNE_yPOuQSOdUnGSznWGBG-KF77ERLqjVyiCP7zjdDUpldvZ-7hd6flZFud_f2Es0HOoUNr653zF-HUEiHuOAe4/s320/after_ellie+9th+bday+dress.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
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Using the hem offcut, I also made a scarf to drape dramatically around one's neck (though she prefers to tie it around the waist like a pirate sash).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3p7tPxXDJWvPJryOLL3IXVh0zPTYpyq9toTGFyqeNx-bG3WD2O3QxDf8Uft0nxRjCm1NFsanV0w6JCbi91ghAxH7HuRYlauuEWugyzpKQPABaWGSu9-wp7ASfPWMgi2Hh3ua6h-uBOI/s1600/after_ellie+9th+bday+dress+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3p7tPxXDJWvPJryOLL3IXVh0zPTYpyq9toTGFyqeNx-bG3WD2O3QxDf8Uft0nxRjCm1NFsanV0w6JCbi91ghAxH7HuRYlauuEWugyzpKQPABaWGSu9-wp7ASfPWMgi2Hh3ua6h-uBOI/s320/after_ellie+9th+bday+dress+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was very proud of my topstitching effort and the keyhole back. The button loop broke the first time she put it on, but I resewed it with more thread and it is fine now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb1KTRvPEpP33Mq5xlftGO1dMDDVfAaxEEz-aRyemuBlAhfoaIzFFjT-Ha8Mt8jJaELT0ikm0s0XTOokIMraOHIgabkFIcA3xDRj_bRlRwAoEVNnXNbj_WhEIGtm4VJiJ_GP10YeTtZ8/s1600/after_ellie+9th+bday+dress+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb1KTRvPEpP33Mq5xlftGO1dMDDVfAaxEEz-aRyemuBlAhfoaIzFFjT-Ha8Mt8jJaELT0ikm0s0XTOokIMraOHIgabkFIcA3xDRj_bRlRwAoEVNnXNbj_WhEIGtm4VJiJ_GP10YeTtZ8/s320/after_ellie+9th+bday+dress+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here she is wearing it (with the season's fashionable accessory of a fox hat from the dressup box, naturally). It's a little big around the waist (like, about four sizes) but she does have a size 4 waist with a size 9 height so I forgive myself. Also too long, but she loves it that way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46UpUB9C-CupKnjUkfP_GpWcPTxs_a9g5V14ZMeN9EghbE0uMg6DfRgK6F2qGU8QvSONiWppliuxRbllqQxisak-QKwq7id47LRHfFDVShguLpjunDdcweGEgVtErOCK1V7_86ecp5NM/s1600/aIMG_4922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46UpUB9C-CupKnjUkfP_GpWcPTxs_a9g5V14ZMeN9EghbE0uMg6DfRgK6F2qGU8QvSONiWppliuxRbllqQxisak-QKwq7id47LRHfFDVShguLpjunDdcweGEgVtErOCK1V7_86ecp5NM/s320/aIMG_4922.jpg" width="117" /></a></div>
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So far the dress has seen a total of zero fancy parties. She was wearing it on the trampoline the other day. Most of the springs have parted ways with the trampoline mat, and it has morphed into a half-trampoline half-slide complete with mud pit at the bottom where they slide off the hanging edge. </div>
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I said, "You know honey, that dress is for fancy parties." </div>
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"Well, we don't go to any fancy parties, do we?!" came the reply. Fair cop. At least she was getting some wear out of it! </div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-32156799733739097972015-06-15T21:03:00.000-07:002015-06-15T21:03:35.965-07:00Op shop tablecloth = new outdoor seat cushion covers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the continuing saga of 'Things the dog ate', another victim was the ties on the outdoor bench cushion covers. (No pic though). He chewed them off more than a year ago, and for more than a year, I have been picking up the cushions off the ground when the wind blows them off or the kids chuck them off. Also, the original covers were mildewed, stained and generally festy!</div>
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So having become tired of the pick-up game and sick of sitting on feral cushions, I found an old tablecloth at the op shop for $1. It is pretty heavyweight fabric so good enough for outdoor use. Not waterproof but the table is now under the new verandah so that doesn't matter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ1Thlgx7Bp50UlG1AIOM-GLesbpxErckYOQ-OOY4hAAStDHz64Hpuu9C94JZW-TFheQ-UyYzx1ZO64BViCkHgKJbcR9PPIDDR5BYy9b6NeHFGfmDfKCrm2UjHuGiG0giG82ZD9OsmZE/s1600/before_tablecloth+op+shop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ1Thlgx7Bp50UlG1AIOM-GLesbpxErckYOQ-OOY4hAAStDHz64Hpuu9C94JZW-TFheQ-UyYzx1ZO64BViCkHgKJbcR9PPIDDR5BYy9b6NeHFGfmDfKCrm2UjHuGiG0giG82ZD9OsmZE/s320/before_tablecloth+op+shop+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Faded black with a beige-ish abstract-ish floral-ish print!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tO_0FS9t3Rd2-Aly11AglZP6hCo6XTi7v1E2hdCyX6QonVhcpecYnqbt5KsD4GL_oFYvBZfokeT6igK_nTwm2BuxpzxnMXvp1RnDeL8s3JbIgtLLnHLVjoBAsdXhrnxT1VzE3YPuZHs/s1600/before_tablecloth+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tO_0FS9t3Rd2-Aly11AglZP6hCo6XTi7v1E2hdCyX6QonVhcpecYnqbt5KsD4GL_oFYvBZfokeT6igK_nTwm2BuxpzxnMXvp1RnDeL8s3JbIgtLLnHLVjoBAsdXhrnxT1VzE3YPuZHs/s320/before_tablecloth+op+shop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All I did was measure the length of the foam after chucking the old covers out, then made a simple boxed cover using a grey/mauve remnant for the sides. I didn't bother with a zip, just sewed up the opening by hand. Will probably regret that later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_PY0iJjBG_-OqevyzAq8-Oi_8lBFLzGQs1NPH0skxZ4khIzIAKftibt_AAQqOt-srajYRjOjuOcdtmDXq8G5jGuEokuSFPMH02uqd4TfyhvNJmmLjU7v-vRzvl4_gKJA43zi17Mvh6o/s1600/after_tablecloth+to+outside+seat+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_PY0iJjBG_-OqevyzAq8-Oi_8lBFLzGQs1NPH0skxZ4khIzIAKftibt_AAQqOt-srajYRjOjuOcdtmDXq8G5jGuEokuSFPMH02uqd4TfyhvNJmmLjU7v-vRzvl4_gKJA43zi17Mvh6o/s320/after_tablecloth+to+outside+seat+cover.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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The important part: new ties to hold on the damn things. (Dog can no longer get to the verandah so they are safe from him, and safe from cushion-chucking children.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJuAb65t29AwebW5MABlZmRHNU9xV5DUIE_6sTcyQmN4ExiSSpK3iXELdz3lBHJjdOw_lKRP9hKTVGqKhNHVUMsUD9hzfXaxe6TOBZJfY1zOV-YwTpkwoj8mcc_5KdhKDA63KXa8YZM0/s1600/after_tablecloth+to+outside+seat+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJuAb65t29AwebW5MABlZmRHNU9xV5DUIE_6sTcyQmN4ExiSSpK3iXELdz3lBHJjdOw_lKRP9hKTVGqKhNHVUMsUD9hzfXaxe6TOBZJfY1zOV-YwTpkwoj8mcc_5KdhKDA63KXa8YZM0/s320/after_tablecloth+to+outside+seat+cover+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's Kai showing off the completed set. Slight improvement over the mouldy old ones!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolk1G7NPRj2DlKhMI-5y6OOvMmdnGGiRGpEFbZCciHMDUpZU9Az-1EAcCnzPVgbRyX7AHZUtyVKgu-DtaY-okfo4CwjbjoPJNLmfXuiQrvxyXFKUcOu7YmWPqxNIvC3qWJZoW1jPyIJQ/s1600/after_tablecloth+to+outside+seat+cover+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolk1G7NPRj2DlKhMI-5y6OOvMmdnGGiRGpEFbZCciHMDUpZU9Az-1EAcCnzPVgbRyX7AHZUtyVKgu-DtaY-okfo4CwjbjoPJNLmfXuiQrvxyXFKUcOu7YmWPqxNIvC3qWJZoW1jPyIJQ/s320/after_tablecloth+to+outside+seat+cover+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, if only the verandah could be paved as easily....<br />
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Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-71004058367636894442015-06-10T02:52:00.002-07:002015-06-10T02:52:59.317-07:00Title fight: Dog vs Bathmat <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before: A Sheridan bathmat, given to us as a wedding present 15 years ago, came off second-best in a recent scuffle with Buster the bathmat-chewing mutt. I was pretty annoyed as even though it was 15 years old, it was still our best bathmat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY7pUOC7j5Z_5znkhAPmKKD-QEoCtiw6EG5fK2Z5fZ45zcvggefJMBi-2kDqfDcL33fEGgqTNb53OwJVmoEtzvg4_iIiYiCPLVoFHZeAscBHnbD3K5narv6WaFtIiF5jyTHW0-v08UN8/s1600/before_Sheridan+bathmat+damaged+by+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY7pUOC7j5Z_5znkhAPmKKD-QEoCtiw6EG5fK2Z5fZ45zcvggefJMBi-2kDqfDcL33fEGgqTNb53OwJVmoEtzvg4_iIiYiCPLVoFHZeAscBHnbD3K5narv6WaFtIiF5jyTHW0-v08UN8/s320/before_Sheridan+bathmat+damaged+by+dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some close-ups of the sad mess on two of the corners...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlw8mQ4cSAGTVYOmtIWuXldTOhrmrCGi9JNkd8LKcQxPMqifDoaikgogimt0D7EXOQ-Zw3N85L3f6WFkyVz8LR5gUSZz6GxrUdS34wXoiaZOV9BEaaiNH03UjCuvr1Kc79cVZBBAHIPA/s1600/before_Sheridan+bathmat+damaged+by+dog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlw8mQ4cSAGTVYOmtIWuXldTOhrmrCGi9JNkd8LKcQxPMqifDoaikgogimt0D7EXOQ-Zw3N85L3f6WFkyVz8LR5gUSZz6GxrUdS34wXoiaZOV9BEaaiNH03UjCuvr1Kc79cVZBBAHIPA/s320/before_Sheridan+bathmat+damaged+by+dog+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cq4fcjMW1CBO7aaZuQU6v__kgeu05RoiNYjxTLZxCZ2gyNnv0bOc0H4aoWYtcP09m7OLjukIUEz7MclKiyyhLx6XeQ_O0oH0LPxCZKhai6s8fxTSQwZedIq5btCgfN46pkcd8Uek0Fo/s1600/before_Sheridan+bathmat+damaged+by+dog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cq4fcjMW1CBO7aaZuQU6v__kgeu05RoiNYjxTLZxCZ2gyNnv0bOc0H4aoWYtcP09m7OLjukIUEz7MclKiyyhLx6XeQ_O0oH0LPxCZKhai6s8fxTSQwZedIq5btCgfN46pkcd8Uek0Fo/s320/before_Sheridan+bathmat+damaged+by+dog+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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After: The result of the fight was the dog banished outside for good, a trimmed-down version of the bathmat and some red satin ribbon binding. Dog 0, Bathmat 1. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw7aZqqb4JBiN71XkpV65JSnMcnVtNkKebUf6fhnCRb52bNHkAWFqJZWm1URROHYoEW62GBQF5hddMLfDdGr17amNqE2TS6gBSfpt0ADj6x1AbqFFdYMqTUvLLVz8jQOryTTRp4TgYHw/s1600/after_rescued+bathmat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw7aZqqb4JBiN71XkpV65JSnMcnVtNkKebUf6fhnCRb52bNHkAWFqJZWm1URROHYoEW62GBQF5hddMLfDdGr17amNqE2TS6gBSfpt0ADj6x1AbqFFdYMqTUvLLVz8jQOryTTRp4TgYHw/s320/after_rescued+bathmat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had some fun practising my free motion quilting along the edge. I tried some leaves...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6mNq_mzIHRtSl7ib5nCJEcMfOEjeW8nOHY2IS87AjhZ7ageDjvAuxPH48twfhrHo69m8Mo3aNSDebu_j7mlFUQ948N38kiyY1CkP1OAP9KFDcrGTrlRbIeR4OC91MKK_l_8SzfiFt8Q/s1600/after_rescued+bathmat+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6mNq_mzIHRtSl7ib5nCJEcMfOEjeW8nOHY2IS87AjhZ7ageDjvAuxPH48twfhrHo69m8Mo3aNSDebu_j7mlFUQ948N38kiyY1CkP1OAP9KFDcrGTrlRbIeR4OC91MKK_l_8SzfiFt8Q/s320/after_rescued+bathmat+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And some stars...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzBDonH9nJ95JB-QVVV5EYg_20mmpzEzXPD6nYN3ecto__U2P54kOuS1P4vidXaB3RXFx10MGix3Y3kQCUWeB034EhuBrKy4z1HXhmEysgPnS4CvoIQl-Ha5e9DZCP44qMgAwl25ksBo/s1600/after_rescued+bathmat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzBDonH9nJ95JB-QVVV5EYg_20mmpzEzXPD6nYN3ecto__U2P54kOuS1P4vidXaB3RXFx10MGix3Y3kQCUWeB034EhuBrKy4z1HXhmEysgPnS4CvoIQl-Ha5e9DZCP44qMgAwl25ksBo/s320/after_rescued+bathmat+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a secret message for those who bothered to look closely enough. </div>
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I actually made this several months ago, but slow internet has put me off regular posting. In those months, no-one has yet discovered my message. So it remains a secret - at least from the residents of this house!</div>
Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-4458130962384257972015-06-09T00:25:00.000-07:002015-06-09T00:25:16.463-07:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12299297/?claim=pttd9yx2ejn">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-70960671386006878892015-03-21T03:53:00.000-07:002015-03-21T03:53:19.170-07:00Two old skirts = linen slippers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">For a while now, I've been wanting to make some nice slippers. I keep eyeing off a lovely felted pair in the Yass shoe shop, but at $70, who am I kidding. So I finally made a pair. </span><span style="text-align: left;">I used this old woolen skirt from the free bin at Revolve. I know the picture is crooked. Too bad at this time of night! </span></div>
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It's a black wool blend with white flecks. Nothing wrong with the skirt per se, just that it's a pencil skirt, and I don't find them comfy to wear. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCIxscVVxiaJZKEu9AY62IWJOYcbnhhy_LjATF7RfNzfUOVTGiraIHv8Q2-ItbTJTTSDI7xsKHVwY58CJ_jejJVpVwMJbiKGPNgPMwGPxIBHCKTMWfRgNu7gShE32shpopKDx7d77Yrc/s1600/before_black+wool+skirt+revolve+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCIxscVVxiaJZKEu9AY62IWJOYcbnhhy_LjATF7RfNzfUOVTGiraIHv8Q2-ItbTJTTSDI7xsKHVwY58CJ_jejJVpVwMJbiKGPNgPMwGPxIBHCKTMWfRgNu7gShE32shpopKDx7d77Yrc/s1600/before_black+wool+skirt+revolve+2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also used a cream linen skirt from an op shop but I got it that long ago that it was well cut apart before I started photographing things first. It was basically another pencil skirt. </div>
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The slipper pattern I used came from a lovely-looking book called Cloth. I borrowed it from the ACT library. Lots of projects specifically designed for wool, cotton, silk and linen, plus a bit of history and current uses for each type of fabric.</div>
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This is the pic of the slippers from the book:</div>
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<img height="320" src="http://www.melaniefalickbooks.com/storage/cloth%20p.%20159.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1416947340235" width="254" /></div>
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And here is the first draft (left) and the second draft (right) of the my attempt. Can you pick the mistake?? Being one of those people with larger-than-the-average-Joe feet, the slipper patterns I see in books are always too small, so I just sized it up - but a bit TOO much the first time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYs2aiky6IaABLsExslL6mYUtYHhH9SZbAH79dR7Y0lxk6N4dS5XxX6oPKKjtk4N-gfRrnRVMEtxtiUNPyvOdUfok4YyOuYhZTOA42cRqMpyoDXTjLFfZPuqk13QUzfBxnjrvxuYvAaM/s1600/after_linen+slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYs2aiky6IaABLsExslL6mYUtYHhH9SZbAH79dR7Y0lxk6N4dS5XxX6oPKKjtk4N-gfRrnRVMEtxtiUNPyvOdUfok4YyOuYhZTOA42cRqMpyoDXTjLFfZPuqk13QUzfBxnjrvxuYvAaM/s1600/after_linen+slippers.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here they are on my dainty feet: Yep. Just a bit too big on the left there. </div>
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The slippers were in the Linen section of the book. They are very simple to make, just a quilted sole with one layer of wadding (I put two layers in the second draft as the first was too thin). The front section is two layers sewn together along the curved back section. Then the front section and bottom of the sole are sewn inside out and the whole thing gets turned out the right way and stitched closed (supposedly with slip stitching, but hey, these are only slippers, so I slacked off and used the machine). </div>
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Once I had the sizing better I made another left one. This one I used three layers of wadding in the sole as the other was still too thin!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ1ZaFKv37wHn1lGfKhtMYbDHsIf2Loq7LDEIu8vr7nbz9bO75__91hPgptS-Kaf74VuEZE9GGBn-XbomLyAAlczFPfRsLdWoht-n05A3VCQdADuNTOf6qTMF1oSSQQ1Dvw2DEhl9LUg/s1600/after_linen+slippers+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ1ZaFKv37wHn1lGfKhtMYbDHsIf2Loq7LDEIu8vr7nbz9bO75__91hPgptS-Kaf74VuEZE9GGBn-XbomLyAAlczFPfRsLdWoht-n05A3VCQdADuNTOf6qTMF1oSSQQ1Dvw2DEhl9LUg/s1600/after_linen+slippers+5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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In case you're wondering about the black skirt, yes, I did use it, on the bottom of the sole. You can see how nice and clean they are on the bottom after five minutes of use. Not. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW2abn-R4JEFd7G-q3-GPDA-UaLlWeQgNONJ8u4ym04VQLoZBVpd0pj7AUvwanu8-V71_VgmavQ1R2H3tHNgvCurIrd4Foxo2lU3Vtjhc8rda3rngoeWj5DuIaaXLJOs6SgBMN4a7gOA/s1600/after_linen+slippers+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW2abn-R4JEFd7G-q3-GPDA-UaLlWeQgNONJ8u4ym04VQLoZBVpd0pj7AUvwanu8-V71_VgmavQ1R2H3tHNgvCurIrd4Foxo2lU3Vtjhc8rda3rngoeWj5DuIaaXLJOs6SgBMN4a7gOA/s1600/after_linen+slippers+4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall they are comfy and I like them, but they are kind of annoying, because I have to shuffle around in them. If I walk normally they just fall off. So I guess they should technically be termed scuffs rather than slippers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgM-_HVdfmOUVlJhi7ZfyIxVr8ipw9Qe0JfV8ErPvQgetw8iJTMn9f_rbyWSJu16a6HCdGgF0ndEZJ68E_uAz-Mu7g9ByHX4hUQ3jyfqKVaGtr-YDs91NL9RSStUzPUvzEYndD4l38u4/s1600/after_linen+slippers+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgM-_HVdfmOUVlJhi7ZfyIxVr8ipw9Qe0JfV8ErPvQgetw8iJTMn9f_rbyWSJu16a6HCdGgF0ndEZJ68E_uAz-Mu7g9ByHX4hUQ3jyfqKVaGtr-YDs91NL9RSStUzPUvzEYndD4l38u4/s1600/after_linen+slippers+6.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was also going to make a nice wool overnight bag out of the same book:</div>
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But the pattern sheet for the bag was missing and I wasn't feeling clever enough to figure it out. I actually emailed the author to ask for the dimensions but never had a reply. Boo hoo. I am also tempted to make the ottoman, the pattern for which was in the book, so I have traced it and may make it one of these days: minus the cat.</div>
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I have about three bags full of tiny scraps that need to be stuffed into something - so I figure an ottoman would be a perfect thing to stuff!</div>
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Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-79404446431791528542015-03-08T04:02:00.000-07:002015-03-08T04:02:01.403-07:00Why I love Greendale feteEvery year in October, a little rural church about five minutes out of town holds a fete. Greendale is the place to be on that day for the best trash and treasure haul you are likely to ever see. Five-cent crockery, 10-cent toys, and best of all, metres of fabric for next to nothing. Last year I picked up about 10 metres in total for about two bucks.<br />
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And I don't mean any old fabric - check out this vintage 80's cotton god-knows-what you would call it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFS4GjWb8Raa44oq4qAZ_JR1Ca0UJZqAxCB2k3llEezVv4xLUPx2zysnGe7qVK1niV9t3fYHHNeDgSJy_CZwStTPkMHtqJHt_GkjIVli6kSkaoXzJwhtWg3NPeqjoR1UT077fficOH4w/s1600/before_80s+cotton+print+greendale+fete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFS4GjWb8Raa44oq4qAZ_JR1Ca0UJZqAxCB2k3llEezVv4xLUPx2zysnGe7qVK1niV9t3fYHHNeDgSJy_CZwStTPkMHtqJHt_GkjIVli6kSkaoXzJwhtWg3NPeqjoR1UT077fficOH4w/s1600/before_80s+cotton+print+greendale+fete.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the close up for extra impact: Cool or what!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJVSRDPa0r6BCDygxDV04JguxujqndYiti7LoTViTGjbDqQTCQ5SW3fTw0A6WEcU5tCV2xEL1iUcMjl4WAbYMUcLiP9AVoQBLt8RYNpU2FYAhBGXa41Vg0uQ2lx5tpi3efSl2P3tWcuk/s1600/before_80s+cotton+print+greendale+fete+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJVSRDPa0r6BCDygxDV04JguxujqndYiti7LoTViTGjbDqQTCQ5SW3fTw0A6WEcU5tCV2xEL1iUcMjl4WAbYMUcLiP9AVoQBLt8RYNpU2FYAhBGXa41Vg0uQ2lx5tpi3efSl2P3tWcuk/s1600/before_80s+cotton+print+greendale+fete+2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know how it ended up in someone's cast off pile. Really! Who could resist. </div>
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Of course cheap fabric and bargain basement crockery are not all what Greendale is about. Not remotely. From a town with a population of around 101, about 200 or 300 people seem to turn up to chat, have a devonshire tea (plunger coffee and scones, $2 anyone?!), buy locally made jam and tomato relish, plants, cakes and those frilly lacy coathangers that you just can't seem to find anywhere else....I love it. </div>
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Ok - back to the fabric! What else could you make from this, really, other than kids' shorts. At the risk of being predictable, these are <a href="http://www.heytherethreads.com/product/explorer-shorts-unisex-pdf-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Explorer </a>shorts. Again. Boy, have I got my money's worth from that pattern. And I even made matchy matchy ones - sort of. </div>
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First up is Ellie's, which she wanted to personalise with applique letters. Out of cat fabric. Which she positioned very carefully to get the cats in EXACTLY the right place, as you do. Cats in the pockets, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6jhIM5zO5NQYHf5eFYdmMdfgE9eazJhgAKQjAvgNVyBtIhlCvLYookjKiU7cxOKhu76lrZ-CBwF1o3i9hstRf4dirDSeXCQXT4rcSfZy-pA4kAGJhDZw7rzxh5soNEPDjb8yGwWQIms/s1600/after_explorer+shorts+80s+ellie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6jhIM5zO5NQYHf5eFYdmMdfgE9eazJhgAKQjAvgNVyBtIhlCvLYookjKiU7cxOKhu76lrZ-CBwF1o3i9hstRf4dirDSeXCQXT4rcSfZy-pA4kAGJhDZw7rzxh5soNEPDjb8yGwWQIms/s1600/after_explorer+shorts+80s+ellie.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check out that cat placement....<br />
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Don't you love how these two fabrics go together so perfectly? Umm? If you are 8, they do.<br />
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Now Kai's: being a bit of a flag freak, he picked flags for pockets. The flag fabric came from Yass Salvo's, I think. </div>
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Just in case you couldn't see the flags too well! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_YDI1G2oWwP8XRWA1QJzRH9VGEVOKfsA09ZYAREIgDM0mYJK97faeQxJciFenCu3bFiHrOXrmUkpVY_TcrhPyPvDObw2CpWcnhfJEmJpf0XhGkU7NtsVjqGaFupb51OvycBQYYBhkOg/s1600/after_explorer+shorts+80s+kai+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_YDI1G2oWwP8XRWA1QJzRH9VGEVOKfsA09ZYAREIgDM0mYJK97faeQxJciFenCu3bFiHrOXrmUkpVY_TcrhPyPvDObw2CpWcnhfJEmJpf0XhGkU7NtsVjqGaFupb51OvycBQYYBhkOg/s1600/after_explorer+shorts+80s+kai+3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And just because this post has been full of headless shots (thanks Kai for holding the shorts up) here is one with a head. He wouldn't put the shorts on, though. They have been worn a lot since these pics were taken, though; in fact, both pairs are starting to fade! At least they no longer blind me when I hang them on the clothesline...</div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-37734172479802307922015-03-01T03:11:00.001-08:002015-03-01T03:11:54.692-08:00Christmas shoeboxes and a cub blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a school tradition the last few years to support the <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.com.au/pack-a-shoebox-for-a-child-in-need/" target="_blank">Christmas Shoebox</a> appeal. The kids enjoy choosing small gifts to fill the boxes, such as toothbrushes, soap, colouring pencils, toys. I always try to make an item of clothing as well for something a bit extra. I think the kids don't completely fathom how a child overseas can only receive a shoebox of little things for Christmas and nothing else, but they are starting to (occasionally) realise how privileged they are...</div>
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Anyway, last year the school stopped doing the boxes, but the kids and I still wanted to, so we did. I made some <a href="http://www.heytherethreads.com/product/explorer-shorts-unisex-pdf-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Explorer shorts</a> (about the only shorts pattern I use these days) for the boy's box, using the fish fabric from a friend's old sundress (also used on the iPad cover last year) and some plain blue, which probably came from an op shop, but I honestly can't remember. </div>
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Back view:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxpZHv-dq8t1WDCWECsyiHxgNPLn9BV02f1EuMLBZ1s1mups7r9UQqUGgSjqblfklJB4UVf6F4-R1EZultDvzYoBMyxBSNupltMxoci4MwLl9LEvVL2nF9bXJrM_IlFFKz53mgRdopAQ/s1600/after_Explorer+shorts+for+Xmas+shoebox_back+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxpZHv-dq8t1WDCWECsyiHxgNPLn9BV02f1EuMLBZ1s1mups7r9UQqUGgSjqblfklJB4UVf6F4-R1EZultDvzYoBMyxBSNupltMxoci4MwLl9LEvVL2nF9bXJrM_IlFFKz53mgRdopAQ/s1600/after_Explorer+shorts+for+Xmas+shoebox_back+view.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
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For the girl's box, I made a little skirt using <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/5941" target="_blank">Simplicity 9611</a>, which I picked up in an op shop. It's pretty simple, basically a rectangle with elastic drawstring, and a split hem detail at the side (which you can't see too well in the photo, but can see in View C in the drawing).</div>
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The fabric, from a garage sale, was an off-white cotton with little flowers. There were two bits of fabric in the same print but different colourways - pink/green and purple/orange. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZUKElbpbwYig7S8CaLGdU7uF7NHcc44o0iBGilmKrcupVzr6r_GUGZeh35gofmXUdrJZ9fdqXGHpCJ6Vniwc1vjoFe3LwJ8TawcphqR0J91ugiIXMdDgvcdKqcJLe6jHURZXcyXh-54/s1600/after_skirt+for+Xmas+child+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZUKElbpbwYig7S8CaLGdU7uF7NHcc44o0iBGilmKrcupVzr6r_GUGZeh35gofmXUdrJZ9fdqXGHpCJ6Vniwc1vjoFe3LwJ8TawcphqR0J91ugiIXMdDgvcdKqcJLe6jHURZXcyXh-54/s1600/after_skirt+for+Xmas+child+box.jpg" height="383" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pattern doesn't have a pocket, but I thought it needed one. I drafted the front pocket (using the second print) by tracing around a bread and butter plate to draw a circle, then cutting an arc out of the top. It still looked ho hum so I dug out some purple braid (from the op shop, of course..) Instant cute!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULRLcoyQsoZ9hjaDXmLYa6VW0wnsgtFAzxkmVEj_sAG7hNzDJ6-jsirUlWey3e11DHdWGQIuwdLpw2gAEk6N1ipWfncQBkRMrNT6ZDM7_UJdww-TU_TiSBOv5dsPZZYsfG9oktBtYwig/s1600/after_skirt+for+Xmas+child+box2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULRLcoyQsoZ9hjaDXmLYa6VW0wnsgtFAzxkmVEj_sAG7hNzDJ6-jsirUlWey3e11DHdWGQIuwdLpw2gAEk6N1ipWfncQBkRMrNT6ZDM7_UJdww-TU_TiSBOv5dsPZZYsfG9oktBtYwig/s1600/after_skirt+for+Xmas+child+box2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last pic below is Ellie in her cub poncho/blanket. I remember having one as a Brownie back in the early 80's. I found the blanket in the Yass Salvos and after picking Mum's brain, turned it into a poncho by cutting a curved slit in the centre and adding a rib trim.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaX8NVXpdz8wFn82dSywsZbK69ZbseV_Dp5GSulKOGLaOL_ziEES0PswgfThxpayzspMY8W78xedHm-h74A1WMav65NMFTp24IzFG6l_1Q-qspkB7G1YLRsYRC6V51XbrKHyjS0Q3xOX0/s1600/after_cubs+blanket+poncho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaX8NVXpdz8wFn82dSywsZbK69ZbseV_Dp5GSulKOGLaOL_ziEES0PswgfThxpayzspMY8W78xedHm-h74A1WMav65NMFTp24IzFG6l_1Q-qspkB7G1YLRsYRC6V51XbrKHyjS0Q3xOX0/s1600/after_cubs+blanket+poncho.jpg" height="640" width="280" /></a></div>
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She has a way to go with covering it with badges, but we have 4 to start with at least! She did take this on a camp, but reported back that she didn't sleep under it because it was a bit itchy. I did say it was meant for wearing over clothes around the campfire, not actually sleeping in, but clearly that message was lost!</div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-35319060101997638962015-01-21T02:38:00.001-08:002015-01-21T02:38:32.716-08:00A Lane Raglan Tee and another Renfrew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before: kind of hideous cowl-neck top from Yass Vinnies, I liked the colour and feel of the fabric. Hector looks a bit like a headless zombie holding this up for the photo...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW03T0cx-Fyqf1UpWpcY9f8V4HXYcsEzajD-YBDbxdEqrQzyMLHXYxl3Djb7nK1eC7gyBY2J-tRdvq2jJnNm1UcXcRhNEsIR7B-NgvjtVNhB2xXPetkvUnxTVE5H7jHbNwyFfxbs2xMM/s1600/before_green+and+black+knit+top+yass+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW03T0cx-Fyqf1UpWpcY9f8V4HXYcsEzajD-YBDbxdEqrQzyMLHXYxl3Djb7nK1eC7gyBY2J-tRdvq2jJnNm1UcXcRhNEsIR7B-NgvjtVNhB2xXPetkvUnxTVE5H7jHbNwyFfxbs2xMM/s1600/before_green+and+black+knit+top+yass+op+shop.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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After: a kind of respectable tshirt. I have forgiven Buster his heinous crime from my <a href="http://www.somethingnewfromsomethingold.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/an-exercise-in-futility.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> (or maybe this photo was taken beforehand, I can't really remember).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeGhrYFYGjiWxDDUXmQ853Ve6AIK667GC_0KW1kt6f-6NiPB7-U0Dc7g-J2UZLRAzDNRPlZGHwGzmaTo9CyISQGIoycOBPgHjZdJ1xNzMMCXAXK2-OinJHSaGxwxt6OGQP2X_Vx5ynF0/s1600/after_lane+raglan+green+and+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeGhrYFYGjiWxDDUXmQ853Ve6AIK667GC_0KW1kt6f-6NiPB7-U0Dc7g-J2UZLRAzDNRPlZGHwGzmaTo9CyISQGIoycOBPgHjZdJ1xNzMMCXAXK2-OinJHSaGxwxt6OGQP2X_Vx5ynF0/s1600/after_lane+raglan+green+and+black.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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The pattern is the <a href="http://www.heyjunehandmade.com/lane-raglan.html" target="_blank">Lane Raglan</a> from <a href="http://www.heyjunehandmade.com/" target="_blank">Hey June</a>. It's pretty popular in the sewing blog world. Very simple, I probably had several like it in the cobwebby pattern box but I am a bit of a sucker for the instant gratification of ordering a PDF pattern and receiving it a few seconds later. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6zItaRsLzJXDHlfDG_SFRSnVD5qbsC5NF2ZNDcyDyH9ZkPpQKRAENelZc4YgMkKtIqwqkff9Ck4y9S76BOEBFBFVrNmSVAlq6iF-qCDBEg0EAwozjdXK0QFCvBuFLj_ATShqt42Ws2s/s1600/after_lane+raglan+green+and+black+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6zItaRsLzJXDHlfDG_SFRSnVD5qbsC5NF2ZNDcyDyH9ZkPpQKRAENelZc4YgMkKtIqwqkff9Ck4y9S76BOEBFBFVrNmSVAlq6iF-qCDBEg0EAwozjdXK0QFCvBuFLj_ATShqt42Ws2s/s1600/after_lane+raglan+green+and+black+3.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
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There wasn't enough of the green to get the sleeves out, so I used black ribbing, which I like the look of. Also for the neckline binding. The pattern was easy to follow and make but I don't like the way it has you finished the neckline - you sew the neck binding on the flat and then sew up the last shoulder seam, it leaves a bumpy finish on the neckline that I had to sew down by hand. Next time I will just do it in the round.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDuo08Oh0FThmG4zIEfusMCWII25NarvZBz5Iu6nOOjfk_Q3U2Xm6gnFTJAa2jNPmDKtQfBnMZx85HNwjz2Yj-d-AaB0XmcDnmodomL8LBveoW71IEE46HIL0Fs4dMbLEAHF1Rykdxhg/s1600/after_lane+raglan+green+and+black+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDuo08Oh0FThmG4zIEfusMCWII25NarvZBz5Iu6nOOjfk_Q3U2Xm6gnFTJAa2jNPmDKtQfBnMZx85HNwjz2Yj-d-AaB0XmcDnmodomL8LBveoW71IEE46HIL0Fs4dMbLEAHF1Rykdxhg/s1600/after_lane+raglan+green+and+black+2.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Before #2: some cream and caramel (i.e light brown and medium brown) knit from Jamison Salvos in Canberra.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7VgT-7ji2M_pSUt1avBbsvH3ycCe04vK5qnx197aIaul52hXzoEEIhSpZV9IkMKG-lPppw9T5yzO3SdDg3sh6i8D_-sR543jO70j_wHxLVmnEXcnNYfinGk6rKNhF43VPmCFBjUS0Zk/s1600/before_stripy+brown+knit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7VgT-7ji2M_pSUt1avBbsvH3ycCe04vK5qnx197aIaul52hXzoEEIhSpZV9IkMKG-lPppw9T5yzO3SdDg3sh6i8D_-sR543jO70j_wHxLVmnEXcnNYfinGk6rKNhF43VPmCFBjUS0Zk/s1600/before_stripy+brown+knit.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the same box was a length of beige knit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH8onI__F2QwiTnej-h6518tJrJb-0PG5Hdc0HzJBt0wB4swKODOqg_WzXztm3Nl-5RAmUZRqUWQ39gxlZQeyfaqTsp_tExmOKnscQGuHT5UOHMHyxa7awdAPXxm-nATbQA8YJ-xiS40/s1600/before_beige+knit+jamo+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH8onI__F2QwiTnej-h6518tJrJb-0PG5Hdc0HzJBt0wB4swKODOqg_WzXztm3Nl-5RAmUZRqUWQ39gxlZQeyfaqTsp_tExmOKnscQGuHT5UOHMHyxa7awdAPXxm-nATbQA8YJ-xiS40/s1600/before_beige+knit+jamo+op+shop.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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After: another <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/renfrew-top/" target="_blank">Renfrew</a> top. I blogged about one of these <a href="http://www.somethingnewfromsomethingold.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/two-offcuts-renfrew-top.html" target="_blank">here</a> last year. (I made this one last year too, but am a bit sporadic when it comes to blogging completed projects, as you have no doubt noticed. I blame the slow-as-a-wet-week internet connection).</div>
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I like this one better than the previous version. I took out some of the excess sleeve length. I kept the overall length the same, but the difference in fabric ( this stuff is very stretchy) seems to have made it longer than the first one.</div>
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I was MOST impressed with myself with the stripe matching up the left hand side. Not perfect, but pretty close.</div>
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Not so much impressed with the right side.... you win some you lose some!</div>
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I also tried hard to cut the neckband so as to have an even stripe. I managed that pretty well if I do say so myself. It looks a bit wrinkled here but it's not actually.<br />
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Unfortunately the fabric was a little TOO stretchy and since sewing has lost of lot of its shape. But it's so snuggly soft I use it as a pyjama top. So no biggie. </div>
<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-9563110538274475852014-11-10T02:55:00.001-08:002014-11-10T02:55:10.115-08:00An exercise in futilityI thought it would be a good idea to make a dog bed for Buster. I used some opshop bits and pieces of heavy-duty, furnishing fabric. Here's Kai modelling it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOqI6nyaFLo_onUHqOp5ufaJlx6lV_Nu0o9tN8YjTKno-yNbaUNqubk_6EaOs-QdN9ADNNzBR9bsL80wa68HJW4cTRniB3wW2yZERpPnqlKnXgCzRqxyH5sP9x7Yc_-p96zlw1WfNkZc/s1600/after_dogbed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOqI6nyaFLo_onUHqOp5ufaJlx6lV_Nu0o9tN8YjTKno-yNbaUNqubk_6EaOs-QdN9ADNNzBR9bsL80wa68HJW4cTRniB3wW2yZERpPnqlKnXgCzRqxyH5sP9x7Yc_-p96zlw1WfNkZc/s1600/after_dogbed1.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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We thought we were being very clever reusing the old frame of the kiddy pool (pool liner long since dead):<br />
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Buster wasn't too keen on it when he first saw it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IhWfeMhL7b3qk63VGX6m_-estIuihyphenhypheno8KlNwV4fe9PW4VCRw4atn0QXijjf01NUmJxABULsz55AijGBM096tghvBRWd6q95PeY3fNFcLA2pC1bpstJP1hL5PKsMn_DG1C8EZC2cZlLQ/s1600/after_dogbed4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IhWfeMhL7b3qk63VGX6m_-estIuihyphenhypheno8KlNwV4fe9PW4VCRw4atn0QXijjf01NUmJxABULsz55AijGBM096tghvBRWd6q95PeY3fNFcLA2pC1bpstJP1hL5PKsMn_DG1C8EZC2cZlLQ/s1600/after_dogbed4.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
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He had to be encouraged on there...</div>
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And sat for approximately 2.5 seconds, </div>
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Before showing me what he thought of it.<br />
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Oh no, wait. That's the wrong picture. THIS is what he really thought of it, less than 24 hours later....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JE2Q0PwsZg5zij6myJKp6ZXfyzwnz6FEsuiyacPNgaFbwUEhOUxB31cLEpuxYcv6n5UDV6MDExM3D0B5sw-atlH0a0n7soJ-B4GM_7X0mgPxUKnDCm9jqNJcKvS8EZKe6E94lr52Bkc/s1600/after_dogbed9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JE2Q0PwsZg5zij6myJKp6ZXfyzwnz6FEsuiyacPNgaFbwUEhOUxB31cLEpuxYcv6n5UDV6MDExM3D0B5sw-atlH0a0n7soJ-B4GM_7X0mgPxUKnDCm9jqNJcKvS8EZKe6E94lr52Bkc/s1600/after_dogbed9.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was so tragic, all I could do was shake my head and laugh. Oh, and tell Buster that he could sleep on the ground from now on...!</div>
<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-56952039957298521672014-10-20T02:57:00.000-07:002014-10-20T02:57:00.666-07:00Old wool skirt + obi offcut = new apronI bought a lovely lined, red woollen skirt for $1 at the Holbrook op shop about a year ago (no before picture). It was far too big but I thought I could easily cut it down to size.<br />
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It had other plans. After I cut too much off the sides, I thought I'd then add a blue panel from an obi offcut, off centre, to add the extra width back on before resewing the side seams.<br />
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Nope, that didn't work either! So to save balling it up and chucking it in the rag pile, I thought "Aha! I could do with a new apron." Et voila!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtUdhEw1M5F88J1kdGXsIY8SBhOL7Kkw9Sxedq2qk5FZmTnn5KPX0xb2iDJf7BLSN8GtbPWnf_2HoNVnnbBtGZY3A-NQE1asgrEqgoSF21DtFYCUIAIxJcQvzokHVGcKqlpOYEzVi25k/s1600/after_red+apron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtUdhEw1M5F88J1kdGXsIY8SBhOL7Kkw9Sxedq2qk5FZmTnn5KPX0xb2iDJf7BLSN8GtbPWnf_2HoNVnnbBtGZY3A-NQE1asgrEqgoSF21DtFYCUIAIxJcQvzokHVGcKqlpOYEzVi25k/s1600/after_red+apron1.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">(Note; the girly looking legs in the photo actually belong to Hector. I thought he looked good with an apron in front of him so I left 'em in the photo).</span></div>
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I made the ties from the offcuts of the skirt sides where I had originally cut too much off. Added them either side of the original waistband, then simply hemmed the sides and bottom. </div>
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Because the wool was a bit itchy I thought I would keep the lining intact. Who am I kidding, I just couldn't be bothered to trim it off!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2szHIcIcTyAloMr6gs_TbiETKmsBSFhuj4HSpMoH-7qgcE8LUOLa_mi-Yn7n54H-nptmlhkpg9qr7qkW-ceozTaUNRR-V1imqbIc4uS0YhUovmpp-soV3hwC9Z84vnTkIxKQSo3J4gU/s1600/after_red+apron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2szHIcIcTyAloMr6gs_TbiETKmsBSFhuj4HSpMoH-7qgcE8LUOLa_mi-Yn7n54H-nptmlhkpg9qr7qkW-ceozTaUNRR-V1imqbIc4uS0YhUovmpp-soV3hwC9Z84vnTkIxKQSo3J4gU/s1600/after_red+apron2.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
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So here it is in-situ (below). We all need a fully lined, woollen apron at least once in our lives, I figure (?) It's a shame really that I didn't make it work as a skirt, because looking at it in the photo below, it would be a pretty nice skirt! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl-7ncUiEhG5VB4TrcCSdx9M4tVZOl5gNo7I4Mo6jSvznlcACbJlOADBXAhPGuqWvSrkk2ZMEFihciDu4C4E5vKW_ONGFhribNu5lTjhBpHxwssQDne8B3UjA8LrwSuu_4cITj5Gm29g/s1600/after_red+apron3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl-7ncUiEhG5VB4TrcCSdx9M4tVZOl5gNo7I4Mo6jSvznlcACbJlOADBXAhPGuqWvSrkk2ZMEFihciDu4C4E5vKW_ONGFhribNu5lTjhBpHxwssQDne8B3UjA8LrwSuu_4cITj5Gm29g/s1600/after_red+apron3.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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As an aside, those pants you can't see much of in the photo, are also 'something new from something old'... a red op shop sheet that I made up using my favourite drawstring pants pattern. I actually made them as pyjamas, but am currently short of long pants, so I renamed them 'long pants'. Oh dear, I need to get on to some serious clothes sewing! But am in the middle of a quilt for sister-in-law's 50th b'day so clothes are on hold... Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-29278548279792002152014-09-02T05:44:00.000-07:002014-09-02T05:44:48.691-07:00Burda top, finallyI borrowed a pattern for this Burda top (below) from my friend Pat a few years ago now, it feels. (Thanks, Pat). It's been at the front of my sewing queue since then but always gets pushed back. At last - it's done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTaxj58f-eKHyEjmiZd3NIDA6d-MORTp7Nmx7ZnCF8sHV41b85XxApibT4SnvgaLsaNoJ9tRLhn1szMJ-pAX8UnW6IhAqY6oTlY7rAYCdGWOI8wq_WHF26PJUIS3K4Capoq5zB_07O8M/s1600/burda+top+pattern+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTaxj58f-eKHyEjmiZd3NIDA6d-MORTp7Nmx7ZnCF8sHV41b85XxApibT4SnvgaLsaNoJ9tRLhn1szMJ-pAX8UnW6IhAqY6oTlY7rAYCdGWOI8wq_WHF26PJUIS3K4Capoq5zB_07O8M/s1600/burda+top+pattern+design.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
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I picked view B, as I'm not much fussed on collars and the skinny ties at the back of A put me off. I made a dress with all those ties back in 1996 and I still remember the faffing and fiddling around. Although what I remember most about that particular dress, though, is dropping my cigarette (bad old days) on my lap the first and only time I wore it, at a wedding. Hello, embarrassing burn hole. Goodbye, dress.<br />
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Back to this project: I even did a muslin to check the size first. How good is that? I wasn't going to show the photo but Vanessa insisted, so here you go: complete with bed sheet bodice and sleeve made with leftovers from the Washi top I blogged about <a href="http://www.somethingnewfromsomethingold.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/a-new-top-and-some-teatowels.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUd68LyXiAT972mOs_ncCGk1QxiFMD-QAlR_uzoJY7prhzFdD6zw-c5YfqG0vdHpMRgRpQa1mw51DbYcDWD14VhbTFcquY88bByRu2Y5yZ5dULywvcUyGzsKjQ2tDO5RDI9DMWkAgRQY/s1600/muslin_burda+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUd68LyXiAT972mOs_ncCGk1QxiFMD-QAlR_uzoJY7prhzFdD6zw-c5YfqG0vdHpMRgRpQa1mw51DbYcDWD14VhbTFcquY88bByRu2Y5yZ5dULywvcUyGzsKjQ2tDO5RDI9DMWkAgRQY/s1600/muslin_burda+top.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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Stylish, no? I decided it fit ok but was a bit tight right down the bottom, so I graded it out to the next size up at the hemline. Otherwise no alterations.<br />
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I mostly used this fabric below; I think it came from one of the Goulburn op shops. It's a woven dark grey with pinstripes. Not all cotton, as it doesn't wrinkle much (and melts easily when you iron it, which I found out while making the top, ouch).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9dP6ZY3db78DGuVHgylJjetjTRf-l07vdg7IrGz3kIXzmp-_QPqAuwrIDoM4w8kkPf6HLqHRS-eKJV_7qes_yo4d49aYhCoEDPyBrCg5dL2ZI3KODAkzHFXf8PABmtPvoKM3pKDf2Ag/s1600/before+black+white+pinstripe+woven+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9dP6ZY3db78DGuVHgylJjetjTRf-l07vdg7IrGz3kIXzmp-_QPqAuwrIDoM4w8kkPf6HLqHRS-eKJV_7qes_yo4d49aYhCoEDPyBrCg5dL2ZI3KODAkzHFXf8PABmtPvoKM3pKDf2Ag/s1600/before+black+white+pinstripe+woven+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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There wasn't quite enough for the whole top, so I was going to use a beige linen for the contrast panels down the side fronts. I even went as far as cutting out the front from that linen before realising that in fact they are NOT contrast panels at all and that the front panel is only topstitched on - the bottom part of the front is the same fabric as the sides. Confused? I was. In below picture of finished top, you can see what I mean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnXGPUd4HfCyLc2kP71MDYsxRF9DfsnlXdzqu-gBN058kZhRfk8csS7cGsyp928tVKVZuMAjWf1t39FV1I7JGRV2Cjn8sKm86MnT43amGKI1OLixEaCfYYKJsIRisdgFifiVX81322v4/s1600/after_burda+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnXGPUd4HfCyLc2kP71MDYsxRF9DfsnlXdzqu-gBN058kZhRfk8csS7cGsyp928tVKVZuMAjWf1t39FV1I7JGRV2Cjn8sKm86MnT43amGKI1OLixEaCfYYKJsIRisdgFifiVX81322v4/s1600/after_burda+top.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
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After the beige option was pinned together (no photo) and modelled in front of my Thursday night sewing group I was kinda shouted down. 'Don't do it Kath!!' was the general consensus. So I acceded (well, they were right, it looked like crap). And recut a new front in black. </div>
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The black is not preloved, I must admit - its linen/cotton I bought in Vietnam 6 years ago to make a pair of trousers for Hector. Oops. Sorry dear, no pants for you.</div>
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Here's a back view. The sleeves were way too long (or maybe my arms are short). I had to hem them double the depth stated on the pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpFmqH134YGdS-jgGRL0-SYEKxhYSTmRPplWOvzBZomIBoJEIoosJQPDeYeHTip_a8lfqzGwtOXJyeJxu_WbDKd-xOXSuZg4zWApaj3G8VAV-Ar15H7zYY6afUr6CuZg6yQKnXSDpD28/s1600/after_burda+top1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpFmqH134YGdS-jgGRL0-SYEKxhYSTmRPplWOvzBZomIBoJEIoosJQPDeYeHTip_a8lfqzGwtOXJyeJxu_WbDKd-xOXSuZg4zWApaj3G8VAV-Ar15H7zYY6afUr6CuZg6yQKnXSDpD28/s1600/after_burda+top1.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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And a couple of side shots:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGu46Unt56GxxzP8rogm1sxkDHg1RBMfbg05gA67MWPWdK-kv2P6b-j-7eSFCaklve_TgbqqwllaRMt61zpTy92ezCTJ8bE5WQMsWaDaL3u4tP1CEuOYfvusAPT0OaF95JnVzH3foyus/s1600/after_burda+top3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGu46Unt56GxxzP8rogm1sxkDHg1RBMfbg05gA67MWPWdK-kv2P6b-j-7eSFCaklve_TgbqqwllaRMt61zpTy92ezCTJ8bE5WQMsWaDaL3u4tP1CEuOYfvusAPT0OaF95JnVzH3foyus/s1600/after_burda+top3.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't look too impressed in this last picture. Actually, unless you suck it in a bit, this design has a tendency to make one look about six months gone. Which I am not, though some of the side-on photos that didn't make the cut certainly suggested I was.<br />
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Conclusion? I actually really, really like it. It's easy to put on, super comfy and feels nice. I suspect that the back ties might be a bit annoying sitting in the car. And I'm glad I went with black and didn't have enough of the pinstripe to do the whole thing; I love the contrast and it gives it a Japanese-ish feel. </div>
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What do you think? If you'd like to comment, I'd love to hear from you. Note: if you have subscribed to this blog as an email, which I think everyone has, then you have to visit the blog website to comment :) </div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-74782357690269063982014-08-24T04:18:00.002-07:002014-08-24T04:18:20.561-07:00Sew simple leggings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love wearing my black boots, tights/leggings and skirts. But it's hard to find non-black leggings that are not hideously expensive, so I was interested to try this "Sew Simple" <a href="http://so-sew-easy.com/sew-simple-leggings-pattern/" target="_blank">pattern</a> for leggings. (Also because it was only $2.95 - bargain!)</div>
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I had some stretch pink/reddish knit fabric from an op shop that I was going to use for a long sleeve top, but decided to try the leggings pattern out on. So here they are (not with black boots, but with my next-favourite boots!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5szKh2lXIt-jBIP6DpTVUWLWDT26Wgu-2uNOO4_Vkn9yXnU-14coSML_hHmNGCRZiYnZpJH9a4rvK_izlObN7N0xu6n3MkimrWAOpJVWuHoSBYzpjeHNehj2Q4gHjwA02JOxdjiwMZsI/s1600/After_leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5szKh2lXIt-jBIP6DpTVUWLWDT26Wgu-2uNOO4_Vkn9yXnU-14coSML_hHmNGCRZiYnZpJH9a4rvK_izlObN7N0xu6n3MkimrWAOpJVWuHoSBYzpjeHNehj2Q4gHjwA02JOxdjiwMZsI/s1600/After_leggings.jpg" height="400" width="191" /></a></div>
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True to its name the pattern was super simple. It only took about half an hour to make up. The waist is a little high and I'd lower it next time, plus I used too long a length of elastic, so I have to fold it over about 4 times to keep them up! But even so they are eminently wearable. Even though I have absolutely nothing in my wardrobe that goes with them, other than this dress (from Yass Vinnies, spotted by Kahli, thank you!). </div>
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The same pattern website also has some good-looking free patterns. I downloaded the<a href="http://so-sew-easy.com/wrap-dress-pattern/" target="_blank"> wrap dress</a>. I think it could look very nice and it might be my next knit fabric project...</div>
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Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-20367409521415857712014-08-08T02:57:00.000-07:002014-08-08T02:57:01.878-07:00Two offcuts = a Renfrew top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Been a while between blog posts - kind of reflects the time between completed sewing projects. Have a few things in the pipeline, patterns cut out and the like, but haven't got to the point of actually finishing anything! Maybe it's a winter thing - I have been avoiding the cold of the sewing room lately in the evenings.</div>
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Here's one thing I did manage. I bought the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/renfrew-top/" target="_blank">Renfrew </a>pattern from <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Sewaholic</a> patterns a while ago - has been very popular on other sewing blogs for quite a while. If you google Renfrew top images you'll see about a million of them. </div>
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I had found these two lengths of knit fabric in recent op-shop visits to the usual Yass and Goulburn haunts. The first is kind of beigey with blue graffiti-looking graphics on it. Almost 80s but not completely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYco75nov6S_ZSyEhnFNR1DP8C2ollwiRuxAEP9S3Cia4WR81CfR0Dsih75-uMtG5TAJftu3krE30G8yxTjD4WpvsTkgrFx9ncYYauPULHrHNlur1NRA54hJiL5LlKwj1CxGJCmUlTG70/s1600/before_beige+and+blue+knit+fabric+yass+opshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYco75nov6S_ZSyEhnFNR1DP8C2ollwiRuxAEP9S3Cia4WR81CfR0Dsih75-uMtG5TAJftu3krE30G8yxTjD4WpvsTkgrFx9ncYYauPULHrHNlur1NRA54hJiL5LlKwj1CxGJCmUlTG70/s1600/before_beige+and+blue+knit+fabric+yass+opshop.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a></div>
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The second is just a plain blue knit with greyish overtones. Really nice and soft. Both pieces were about 1.5m long and I think only about $1 each.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23Bzaryxp3Ftx6reZ8JZgy5sk8iWaiyM2PPn0qzGXm2etjI-lvySrvB__t4xlWjEYTwnCiwROr3q3c6UnTkXOT_npNnilkCp_zc3SuNJdkbnc-xqFleD2bWrLftK5FynH02BCd9Vh_Ps/s1600/before_bluegrey+knit+fabric+yass+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23Bzaryxp3Ftx6reZ8JZgy5sk8iWaiyM2PPn0qzGXm2etjI-lvySrvB__t4xlWjEYTwnCiwROr3q3c6UnTkXOT_npNnilkCp_zc3SuNJdkbnc-xqFleD2bWrLftK5FynH02BCd9Vh_Ps/s1600/before_bluegrey+knit+fabric+yass+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="166" /></a></div>
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The pattern comes in round neck, cowl neck and v neck options, and short, 3/4 or long sleeves. Pretty simple pattern and very easy to make up. Here's the front view: it's a bit overexposed so the colours are not quite right. It turned out mostly ok, though I think I could live without the hip/waist band. It looked good on the pattern envelope, of course, but I don't think it's terribly flattering on me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gYaWNo7NLgwCHHQorWgLILQXo6f2yY3Os9wl_jHL57dWwuUw1ufB9z6LpMLkHzXDI7g3YfhKxcKzsg1Q-gNA17VJZfYczFYIu_UMqPgbc62OIyvswhGcKy_q6slXV3sRZfODruWEghs/s1600/after_renfrew+blue+and+beige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gYaWNo7NLgwCHHQorWgLILQXo6f2yY3Os9wl_jHL57dWwuUw1ufB9z6LpMLkHzXDI7g3YfhKxcKzsg1Q-gNA17VJZfYczFYIu_UMqPgbc62OIyvswhGcKy_q6slXV3sRZfODruWEghs/s1600/after_renfrew+blue+and+beige.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></div>
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I didn't test it as I was going along, and it was pretty obvious from the following pics that that I didn't check the sleeve length: it wrinkles up a lot when the cuff is at the right place. <br />
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Then when I pull it all the way down it's about two inches at least too long. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYWowVf9Ir6V_eAi7LMFX0T05daCVK3IkH8uZXp_SS1h7zLLpA1hvm1kF4p_4k6M9DHgXZBoAaCdN9XgwVSSDDQazuyrTGiN9pwveyiolaWX3gORonYZrL0HCbDZnL_qUyJjWyFQIvQM/s1600/after_renfrew+blue+and+beige3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYWowVf9Ir6V_eAi7LMFX0T05daCVK3IkH8uZXp_SS1h7zLLpA1hvm1kF4p_4k6M9DHgXZBoAaCdN9XgwVSSDDQazuyrTGiN9pwveyiolaWX3gORonYZrL0HCbDZnL_qUyJjWyFQIvQM/s1600/after_renfrew+blue+and+beige3.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall I'm calling it a pyjama top - the colour combo makes it look like one. Here's the back view, in which you can see that either my posture sucks, or I am displaying a bit of inherited scoliosis....! </div>
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I seriously thought I was standing dead straight. </div>
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The hip band looks fine from the back but really not happy with it at the front. I would like to try the pattern again but I'll shorten the sleeves and maybe either leave the hip band off, or use the same colour as the body. I perhaps took the colour blocking theory a little far this time! </div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-77957833994010726202014-07-15T05:35:00.000-07:002014-07-15T05:35:26.564-07:00The doona cover that keeps on giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last time I mentioned a doona cover that I had made a few things out of. I found it in one of the Goulburn op shops. Here's a picture of most of it: I'd already cut up a bit of it for a top. It was almost brand new and for $6 for metres and metres of fabric it was a steal!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWCImqpGkvTIqN-S540w36SNMtieQaF1J-wRgjBy3016fe7yD0GCZ504ifMf3sbe2UcGEF84u9UzpJfQ8GuBdAr8hHyTJUy6TzrqqCgoqhe2XSnlDXHrkw6RekmoAMU4okgTzdTHZzpo/s1600/before_doona+cover+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWCImqpGkvTIqN-S540w36SNMtieQaF1J-wRgjBy3016fe7yD0GCZ504ifMf3sbe2UcGEF84u9UzpJfQ8GuBdAr8hHyTJUy6TzrqqCgoqhe2XSnlDXHrkw6RekmoAMU4okgTzdTHZzpo/s1600/before_doona+cover+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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Combined with an opshopped pillowcase, I turned the missing part into a top called a <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/products/scout-tee" target="_blank">Scout Tee</a>, which is basically a woven tshirt pattern. Here's a pic - accessorised with the season's latest hats as made by Ellie and I for our local school fete ;) Are we stylish or what!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavIDJpiK3GMdHi1wK1ejq6VkS1qS4RfEXL4i3huAwwc8kzGnPjYDyNybWbsio61tlM2PrYNKYiigTG2PFVIS2Yqkx91IaACkoxB3DUW5lU-BLWrRAsCsLp8IgBkkHiODmnuZtp0HFBI0/s1600/after+scout+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavIDJpiK3GMdHi1wK1ejq6VkS1qS4RfEXL4i3huAwwc8kzGnPjYDyNybWbsio61tlM2PrYNKYiigTG2PFVIS2Yqkx91IaACkoxB3DUW5lU-BLWrRAsCsLp8IgBkkHiODmnuZtp0HFBI0/s1600/after+scout+top.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
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The top part is the pillowcase. It has a weird wavy pattern on it that would seriously hurt your eyes if it wasn't a light beige colour. Just the bottom part was from the doona. It's a very simple pattern to make up; no darts, no facings, just a bias binding edge on the neckline. It's not terribly flattering, since it's not at all fitted, but it is nice and cool to wear in summer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3K7XKwB2f8om3RNv-bpmgcKdquMR5JURFPv5brL9N79Az839NdHuSPNcokMAOJFeVEWKEs1B2X-A6WmUoWy941-V_DWcqcKsXJsH8ailZ-iVrbzuTdII4i8GRm4P11jRXJM5nbr4ldN8/s1600/after+scout+top+front+from+pillowcase+and+doona+cover+goulburn+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3K7XKwB2f8om3RNv-bpmgcKdquMR5JURFPv5brL9N79Az839NdHuSPNcokMAOJFeVEWKEs1B2X-A6WmUoWy941-V_DWcqcKsXJsH8ailZ-iVrbzuTdII4i8GRm4P11jRXJM5nbr4ldN8/s1600/after+scout+top+front+from+pillowcase+and+doona+cover+goulburn+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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The back is also partly pillowcase and partly doona cover, but cut from the plain beige section. I wanted to have the whole back as the pillowcase fabric, but it didn't stretch to that. So the plain beige was a compromise.</div>
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Although it is very comfy to wear, I felt like it was a bit on the large size. So, I made up a second one the next size down using some floral fabric pinched off my Mum and some red broderie anglaise that I had bought to make Ellie something as a baby and never got around to it. So not really recycled, but at least repurposed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOta67MCy9QQebx9yJxYEoXfgMmX7RKreuWeENBhi8Pq6543CkLUz_abvMkW8292ua70PU3fHeokbLF23Tgt08o4Abv5jrWMG5piFYtfbj9BYikUinY-4FqQl1dgHsDR_BZ5-N0YgPiI/s1600/after+scout+top+not+from+old+but+fabric+from+mum+and+leftover+from+ellie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOta67MCy9QQebx9yJxYEoXfgMmX7RKreuWeENBhi8Pq6543CkLUz_abvMkW8292ua70PU3fHeokbLF23Tgt08o4Abv5jrWMG5piFYtfbj9BYikUinY-4FqQl1dgHsDR_BZ5-N0YgPiI/s1600/after+scout+top+not+from+old+but+fabric+from+mum+and+leftover+from+ellie.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I think this second version is a bit nicer than the first one. Unfortunately the red colour ran badly in the wash. I haven't let that stop me wearing it a lot. Taking these photos was tricky as it seems that every time I go out to do so, a big wind picks up. Nearly every photo looks like the one below, which I kept just for a laugh. I really have to pick my moment and use a fast shutter speed to take a picture that is usable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7do-4jTdwv_ft52fxjkRptVEy-As_J3-sULAopkLzc-99FoLqIDi1QmKHRodXgk77VE1Bsq8689Vp76ejh_9O1tkTg34gSrSdCUAL9eP8RR7QLsyUa5qWdhe0XRG4lFua7SAD1nbT24M/s1600/after+scout+top+waiting+for+the+wind+to+die+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7do-4jTdwv_ft52fxjkRptVEy-As_J3-sULAopkLzc-99FoLqIDi1QmKHRodXgk77VE1Bsq8689Vp76ejh_9O1tkTg34gSrSdCUAL9eP8RR7QLsyUa5qWdhe0XRG4lFua7SAD1nbT24M/s1600/after+scout+top+waiting+for+the+wind+to+die+down.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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The other thing I've made so far from the doona cover is a pair of drawstring pants. I love this pattern and have used it about a million times. It's Simplicity 7229 and I picked up the pattern in the Yass op shop a few years ago for 20 cents. I don't know if it's still in print, but I would highly recommend it for an easy pair of pants, shorts or A line skirt that is super comfortable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCqLtAC6lgptgA0capERhFkMZIg9OjcpKyq8RuvxA7_cALCqT0yW7wU-bMfNuk93_y8NWT7o4n2zdh0cWf0gV4v7z3XaraSyfNNpMQUHStnuNgqtERBnK_3W5qpqXAWaq7ckUpEKFVmQ/s1600/after+tai+chi+pants+from+doon+cover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCqLtAC6lgptgA0capERhFkMZIg9OjcpKyq8RuvxA7_cALCqT0yW7wU-bMfNuk93_y8NWT7o4n2zdh0cWf0gV4v7z3XaraSyfNNpMQUHStnuNgqtERBnK_3W5qpqXAWaq7ckUpEKFVmQ/s1600/after+tai+chi+pants+from+doon+cover1.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
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The reason it is so comfy is the yoke/waistband, which is cut on the bias. The pattern says just to add a drawstring but I use a piece of thin elastic and sew two shorter drawstrings to each end. This makes it much more comfy around the waist. I mostly made these pants to do my Tai Chi in - they are perfect for that. </div>
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I liked how the pattern placement worked out. But the first person to see me wearing them laughed (not unkindly) and said that from a distance they looked like I had a pair of old fashioned lacy undies on.... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEwUqC_blkFV5wNc65iLeJFpIfufg5AmCDQjDEGjqpTwIVP18cB5DrWSJ5NYU3e50uFKb6O_jyjnKqBzxiTMPPr8_QsDO3QI-7bX_Rlr7Icv5DirIUTxYuYdMCFHXoMOJbfva6e8aVYs/s1600/after+tai+chi+pants+from+doon+cover2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEwUqC_blkFV5wNc65iLeJFpIfufg5AmCDQjDEGjqpTwIVP18cB5DrWSJ5NYU3e50uFKb6O_jyjnKqBzxiTMPPr8_QsDO3QI-7bX_Rlr7Icv5DirIUTxYuYdMCFHXoMOJbfva6e8aVYs/s1600/after+tai+chi+pants+from+doon+cover2.jpg" height="320" width="154" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I guess they kind of do. But I don't care. I still love them! </span></div>
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Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-71066735116452982432014-06-20T05:16:00.000-07:002014-06-20T05:16:28.810-07:00Lots of op shop fabric = jackets for me and my girlOn a visit to Albury recently I scored a few lengths of knit fabric from the Vinnies in the centre of town. I have been frequenting that op shop since I was in Year 11 and 12 (that's 1987-88) - it's a good one!<br />
So I found some white, and some black:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUGWhIWJEyB8NXLOvOToA92q8Rfzvuq0kwNBbyU4A52PTfDErKBxbdsy0zvzpNTkdYtmROF72vI-G5gN6c8azBJyjqk6pDcDRD8JPaxK25uyXE0qAfD7i-FmFWqQhaDk7exKqrrOuvVg/s1600/before+black+knit+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAcR3TI38XJJ8rFos6pV29MJp9Qj4yEINoRKFLW5NwDaeYGO3nDwf6_Pyux5nVN0-bPA24aqqQlUpZvNaQwPOC9wGQ_gfwLr1eUPjngFap-FWN9ksQ0YERMGH32k2dOKk2s-9urVqUXI/s1600/before+thin+white+knit+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAcR3TI38XJJ8rFos6pV29MJp9Qj4yEINoRKFLW5NwDaeYGO3nDwf6_Pyux5nVN0-bPA24aqqQlUpZvNaQwPOC9wGQ_gfwLr1eUPjngFap-FWN9ksQ0YERMGH32k2dOKk2s-9urVqUXI/s1600/before+thin+white+knit+op+shop.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUGWhIWJEyB8NXLOvOToA92q8Rfzvuq0kwNBbyU4A52PTfDErKBxbdsy0zvzpNTkdYtmROF72vI-G5gN6c8azBJyjqk6pDcDRD8JPaxK25uyXE0qAfD7i-FmFWqQhaDk7exKqrrOuvVg/s1600/before+black+knit+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUGWhIWJEyB8NXLOvOToA92q8Rfzvuq0kwNBbyU4A52PTfDErKBxbdsy0zvzpNTkdYtmROF72vI-G5gN6c8azBJyjqk6pDcDRD8JPaxK25uyXE0qAfD7i-FmFWqQhaDk7exKqrrOuvVg/s1600/before+black+knit+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a></div>
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And some blue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu8gyev5lV9eBLdkB3AO1aHAsg29xntbnRQ7_3IpFBb_89cWQWoYTyJBkFW2bfsUiVkNOozBoCeZke6zGwiA80g8K687Gj_fqWXIhofiYD1ySfUZmBK08DxZAWTBCw1VBJeUPWkJ48Ro/s1600/before+blue+tube+knit+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu8gyev5lV9eBLdkB3AO1aHAsg29xntbnRQ7_3IpFBb_89cWQWoYTyJBkFW2bfsUiVkNOozBoCeZke6zGwiA80g8K687Gj_fqWXIhofiYD1ySfUZmBK08DxZAWTBCw1VBJeUPWkJ48Ro/s1600/before+blue+tube+knit+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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The black and white, I turned into a hoodie for myself. I've had this pattern cut out for a while, waiting to find the right fabric.<br />
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My friend Ankemaria told me to get over being camera shy and start putting photos of me actually wearing my creations, instead of just on a coathanger. So, here it is: <a href="http://jamiechristina.com/products/sol-hoodie-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">The Sol Hoodie by Jamie Christina.</a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAXxQ5Se8yhSNM60vxM7es7C25qMGZAZBMHtqavB5TsiOW9_3M1yNnpXIeouepSy0sAI_groN8sv5f-THkU1wiamriKYzZQTckqu0XbmIsIR1isTB8Yy5PJkirXZ9t6A8eXp6wyplmCA/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAXxQ5Se8yhSNM60vxM7es7C25qMGZAZBMHtqavB5TsiOW9_3M1yNnpXIeouepSy0sAI_groN8sv5f-THkU1wiamriKYzZQTckqu0XbmIsIR1isTB8Yy5PJkirXZ9t6A8eXp6wyplmCA/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie1.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
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The white fabric was pretty thin, so I decided to use two layers of it. Made for some very thick pain-in-the-butt seams, especially around the pockets and the neckline, but it was worth it. It's warm enough for our unseasonably warmish winter days, though it wouldn't cut it on a proper June day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUV__9zJs3pRxj6VIC7IKQ4ameTJtpdA1WFNFR00j16Kw0WcsHIJ126EmX3m7sCKVruja6NyQNDAF_DMbyxQD0R2sC_j4uwUCG0kifK9p8qn-LBYOJkWewP16aXzhKXkXeKHyitjVeAw/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUV__9zJs3pRxj6VIC7IKQ4ameTJtpdA1WFNFR00j16Kw0WcsHIJ126EmX3m7sCKVruja6NyQNDAF_DMbyxQD0R2sC_j4uwUCG0kifK9p8qn-LBYOJkWewP16aXzhKXkXeKHyitjVeAw/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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The fabric lining the hood used to be a top belonging to my friend Georgina. She gave it to me one day when she decided to get rid of it, and remembered that I had admired the fabric one day. Thanks G! The fabric on the band is patchwork fabric I flogged off my Mum a few years ago. Apart from the zip, it's the only non-recycled part of the jacket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aLALNGza4qEODAGh5hOKTOV2HEiPAQcmGeBBv8DFFCPXakgbRVokwUQ8vj0H55C_W3pDBs5e_L5RcG348w5hyphenhyphen_LOKJseQlpFby-ISN9Vn4JOX1PNcgps3vI7GUEVJj71VnbPcdbgIt0/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aLALNGza4qEODAGh5hOKTOV2HEiPAQcmGeBBv8DFFCPXakgbRVokwUQ8vj0H55C_W3pDBs5e_L5RcG348w5hyphenhyphen_LOKJseQlpFby-ISN9Vn4JOX1PNcgps3vI7GUEVJj71VnbPcdbgIt0/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie3.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
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Here's how it looks with the hood up. The pattern calls for buttonholes in the hood band and a drawstring. I made the buttonholes but then thought it didn't really need a drawstring. Next time I wouldn't bother.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJXO9totNgkbklwh9H0Sg5S9KgzVn81UptE-JviFt5buB8dKhfQfOOqIfXMYIaG7iVeAyzc0mpbmJgQz71ZWcYWDTiLDTxkEXzB8yRtpam-GEpKXCSgG5qPQNIaEu23MFlQI7AiL3pWk/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJXO9totNgkbklwh9H0Sg5S9KgzVn81UptE-JviFt5buB8dKhfQfOOqIfXMYIaG7iVeAyzc0mpbmJgQz71ZWcYWDTiLDTxkEXzB8yRtpam-GEpKXCSgG5qPQNIaEu23MFlQI7AiL3pWk/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie4.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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You may not have noticed in the first picture, but one of the things I liked about this pattern when I saw it on other sewing blogs was the funky cuffs - they are quite long and have a hole for your thumb. So cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ9xggTspchjwBpfzRWyrG0DXMBPr4HtT37WPfxJd1p-G-hJ_oUgVjVltvlQL9Q6araaCv9Yivy0jGkXek7rNuvicOambbqUq_PvTdYKZuBIVsCJpC8XnYY8DkU8OqaPFjGj2THgZq84/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ9xggTspchjwBpfzRWyrG0DXMBPr4HtT37WPfxJd1p-G-hJ_oUgVjVltvlQL9Q6araaCv9Yivy0jGkXek7rNuvicOambbqUq_PvTdYKZuBIVsCJpC8XnYY8DkU8OqaPFjGj2THgZq84/s1600/after_jamie+chirstina+hoodie5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately...making a design feature like this in white fabric is a bit of a faux pas. I have only worn this twice and I've already unpicked the cuff - it has become filthily feral, just from driving and generally hanging out. I'm going to replace them with black ones, so they last a bit longer than two wears without becoming yuck! </div>
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I'd recommend the pattern, I think it's a really nice hoodie. I know you can pick them up in the shops for next to nothing these days, but not like this one ;) </div>
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So, as soon as Ellie spotted the cuffs on my hoodie, she immediately requested one herself. Enter the blue fabric, combined with a cloud-printed op shop singlet hijacked for the pockets:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcG3rfLylJVI5klRzDpQ-j6Ea8Dzb0xtpHyLMFksnbcTkXanBAyfVjBYgE9fJ9C8IQY0MmVQtZ06MHBTbyOUm0JAv2hmgoDSEcH_WeCsfiHq8konednQIEIR4xOrxR87N3x0RU3chKuQ/s1600/after+Ellies+jacket+from+blue+tube+knit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcG3rfLylJVI5klRzDpQ-j6Ea8Dzb0xtpHyLMFksnbcTkXanBAyfVjBYgE9fJ9C8IQY0MmVQtZ06MHBTbyOUm0JAv2hmgoDSEcH_WeCsfiHq8konednQIEIR4xOrxR87N3x0RU3chKuQ/s1600/after+Ellies+jacket+from+blue+tube+knit2.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
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Don't you love that rock star bed hair look? </div>
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She didn't want a hoodie though, just a jacket. I used a Kwiksew pattern for kid's pyjamas/tracksuits that I have used a million times in the past 18 years. (The first use for my then 2-year-old niece Brianna, who just turned 20!). I also made the pyjama pants, but can't claim that as recycled fabric - they're super soft minke fabric I couldn't resist last week in Goulburn. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheadrGSHqKlwR18kQOzNDcfc0SpGXWzP2dK_Nl6VAaO9-gEF6co0gSmsg2ck-JuLSNDFxFIJspmF3bbDHjXI3j3yifDEf_rrQBUvuLclP4EUX1smctEcl47w4e3YX8PETENe-mIP0zQck/s1600/after+Ellies+jacket+from+blue+tube+knit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheadrGSHqKlwR18kQOzNDcfc0SpGXWzP2dK_Nl6VAaO9-gEF6co0gSmsg2ck-JuLSNDFxFIJspmF3bbDHjXI3j3yifDEf_rrQBUvuLclP4EUX1smctEcl47w4e3YX8PETENe-mIP0zQck/s1600/after+Ellies+jacket+from+blue+tube+knit1.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>'</div>
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Last picture, I promise: Ellie wanted me to put this on my blog. It's a potpourri 'amulet' she made (she also made the potpourri, and then ate all the cinnamon bark out of it - kids are hilarious, aren't they?). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq14M3z2dXx4c_WQ0YSkjP6kk8hSw3wK3K6QBUzeS2Y3uTeQwSHIUJQ4jMoaFsgh1IaTFGGx2CnWDfzTFy-CfIi29Ysa-o_AXKXY0ZzEOZBRkf3dOr6ZHIV2_CYtSZPOh4SF-uqZhf98/s1600/Ellies+potpourri+amulet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq14M3z2dXx4c_WQ0YSkjP6kk8hSw3wK3K6QBUzeS2Y3uTeQwSHIUJQ4jMoaFsgh1IaTFGGx2CnWDfzTFy-CfIi29Ysa-o_AXKXY0ZzEOZBRkf3dOr6ZHIV2_CYtSZPOh4SF-uqZhf98/s1600/Ellies+potpourri+amulet.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It even counts as upcycled, as the fabric is from an op-shop doona cover. I have actually made several things out of that doona cover. I willl show you next time...</span></div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-44435509023164965532014-06-14T22:36:00.001-07:002014-06-14T22:36:30.893-07:00Two little things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After more than eight or nine years, I had been thinking that it was finally time to make a new oven glove. The previous one was so feral I didn't even like to touch it! Inspired by a recycled grey woollen blanket that my friend Kahli bought on one of our regular op shop visits to make an ottoman from, I thought we could use some of it as a lining for new oven gloves. We both made one at our Thursday night craft group. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjtKxLFBOZrF0pSbPl1hZvgiVOclniq0Wej9_RpzQnAUQoym1JBpXaPxU-ZIc3s5Os8fIwgCsq_IbozUC4GAm-XdrZ0IEEWPREJPSdQvODGthOFnVFOE1X5gqYw8MrY6o5BgIe2p1WI0/s1600/After_potholder+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjtKxLFBOZrF0pSbPl1hZvgiVOclniq0Wej9_RpzQnAUQoym1JBpXaPxU-ZIc3s5Os8fIwgCsq_IbozUC4GAm-XdrZ0IEEWPREJPSdQvODGthOFnVFOE1X5gqYw8MrY6o5BgIe2p1WI0/s1600/After_potholder+closeup.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spoiler alert though, the funky red fabric is not secondhand in any way. I bought it off the internet one night for absolutely no reason other than I thought it was way cool. I rarely do this, and I am still counting it as something new from something old, because the interior blanket, the binding and the backing were all recycled.<br />
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Here's the whole view:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq87jOa-MucmrxdHBOLAqDXfAeIdUPrhfiyOp8AuPvYIsy9DoL22gdWl5m5tPZKKOyv_xcrSnURUO7oGmoIwjnG_EuGGeYYK0kTEI6_Z0yOdNq-g9BBV2P-rvceedKGGNAC73TK62chNI/s1600/After_potholder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq87jOa-MucmrxdHBOLAqDXfAeIdUPrhfiyOp8AuPvYIsy9DoL22gdWl5m5tPZKKOyv_xcrSnURUO7oGmoIwjnG_EuGGeYYK0kTEI6_Z0yOdNq-g9BBV2P-rvceedKGGNAC73TK62chNI/s1600/After_potholder.jpg" height="131" width="400" /></a></div>
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The back is some old curtain fabric I found at a garage sale near Goulburn. The navy binding I made using the bias binding maker (How I love that thing!) from some op shop linen fabric. It frayed like nuts when I was sewing it on but is so much nicer than that god-awful polycotton binding you can buy in the shops.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzFSRrxk1zxQu3nJKBwUC-kq4QINLWtAnOH5AauzS-ijaHXKMiUFT9k5pQ3jgzSIC49y17XJZc7tpeOdOClj-pDzHwSgEnpYvJ184I7zB4gPZlIsP3ZJ3nHc9QDY2WhIKFDn3A7ThuFU/s1600/After_potholder+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzFSRrxk1zxQu3nJKBwUC-kq4QINLWtAnOH5AauzS-ijaHXKMiUFT9k5pQ3jgzSIC49y17XJZc7tpeOdOClj-pDzHwSgEnpYvJ184I7zB4gPZlIsP3ZJ3nHc9QDY2WhIKFDn3A7ThuFU/s1600/After_potholder+back.jpg" height="138" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second little thing is also not really 'recycled', unless you count fabric that somebody else gave you either from their stash or as a gift. I'm counting it, because it's cute and I want to share it with you! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_syWTfRjBZHN1EIhBgbwys2gOE-UK05GC-wWvL0oEUtnumGAFSPYSemz8N1GVqhezzE0ZROL4afy5dOdKHbfM1DdE6xU32sDu3G4eO18VZisBCqHaiMNFG5OCk-prG1bk6cR7u7FZdo0/s1600/Mum+ipad+cover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_syWTfRjBZHN1EIhBgbwys2gOE-UK05GC-wWvL0oEUtnumGAFSPYSemz8N1GVqhezzE0ZROL4afy5dOdKHbfM1DdE6xU32sDu3G4eO18VZisBCqHaiMNFG5OCk-prG1bk6cR7u7FZdo0/s1600/Mum+ipad+cover1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's an iPad cover I made for my Mum's birthday. Funnily enough, two of the fabrics were originally hers :) The third fabric was a gift from my Tai Chi teacher. I added some velvet ribbon from my box of random ribbon offcuts to tie it up.If I'd thought about it beforehand I'd have sewn the ribbon into the seam, but I didn't, of course, so it's just hand-sewn on afterwards. Hopefully it lasts for a while.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqkhMK2gunxoRZ60PiDVhiXSyPUFqA92I4OLGDbbXFifeTh1LgjQFiY0duOXJ7xEud32Lb0sIvpTgevFtSfwzMNiMOTCNKhQ4D7rAHiWhgCBI5oU9gFylbUTznTnUDc5kQl1bJg7IEb4/s1600/Mum+ipad+cover3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqkhMK2gunxoRZ60PiDVhiXSyPUFqA92I4OLGDbbXFifeTh1LgjQFiY0duOXJ7xEud32Lb0sIvpTgevFtSfwzMNiMOTCNKhQ4D7rAHiWhgCBI5oU9gFylbUTznTnUDc5kQl1bJg7IEb4/s1600/Mum+ipad+cover3.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a very simple bag pattern from a little book of bags that I have. It's called a messenger bag and is meant to have a handle, but I didn't think it really needed one. There's one layer of quilt wadding inside to provide some cushioning. Happy birthday Mum!</div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-70918885923643801292014-06-02T21:48:00.000-07:002014-06-02T21:48:19.284-07:00Baby Charlotte's change mat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A new baby in town is a reasonably rare event, given the population of about 101. Oddly enough, three baby girls were born within a few weeks of each other a month or so ago. One of them is Charlotte, who lives just over the back laneway from us. </div>
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I had some fun putting together a bunch of pink remains (that sounds gruesome!) - perhaps I mean pink leftovers - to whip up a quick change mat for Charlotte. Given Ellie's complete abhorrence for anything pink, all the bits I had collected to make girly things for her had basically remained unused. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqlNENVoyxSqbs2dNWAAwzBtYr6iU9vfGxaR62OYhxMY1jDJVgEO8MAmhfSPsTdKcSAoI992PmHAgJGPDPFbLbySv4bcHjf77wEt7ZqIl9Ev7VIC6tRuo82JaOk4zSprDWEEgTMzx9ic/s1600/after+change+mat+for+charlotte1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqlNENVoyxSqbs2dNWAAwzBtYr6iU9vfGxaR62OYhxMY1jDJVgEO8MAmhfSPsTdKcSAoI992PmHAgJGPDPFbLbySv4bcHjf77wEt7ZqIl9Ev7VIC6tRuo82JaOk4zSprDWEEgTMzx9ic/s1600/after+change+mat+for+charlotte1.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a bit of a conglomeration - in there are pillowcases and offcuts from the op shop, part of a fat quarter from one of my sewing friends, and a few bits that I did actually buy new, many moons ago. </div>
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The binding was put together from a whole load of strips cut from scraps, I took little note of colour and just chucked it all together. Looked a bit ordinary as a pile of strips, but came out fine as a thin binding. The little tiny green section at the bottom, in between the two brownish sections, is a couple of the last remaining inches of my Nana's leftover dressmaking fabric from the 80's. She used to get most of her dresses made by a local lady in Holbrook. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaCq5_37fDdw1iO_r2LNGQQL0uwlyC0fUrXcmaX094ZNvPD79o_Cxe18Qc-Hg7nRWs-i-rXyBi4Mqgt8z4trGwosFMickeo3Zf3xZp9PZETJO6xdkOWdytY6SOkvLmjDzBZ1zq4xHknM/s1600/after+change+mat+for+charlotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaCq5_37fDdw1iO_r2LNGQQL0uwlyC0fUrXcmaX094ZNvPD79o_Cxe18Qc-Hg7nRWs-i-rXyBi4Mqgt8z4trGwosFMickeo3Zf3xZp9PZETJO6xdkOWdytY6SOkvLmjDzBZ1zq4xHknM/s1600/after+change+mat+for+charlotte.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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The inside layer is an old towel for soaking up all those sticky baby drools pee and god knows what else. The backing is a bit of black flannel from the op shop in Yass, so it can be put on any surface and dirt won't be too obvious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zSAihpXqec1HIjvKgEvrMOEHYOx3VOB32VHL0s9ADePMDh8EIsv4dZvaYrx3eSYHtDoG4YGGekjjWvzxaneGt3IVTFHYCj0RhsCjf70uQOi8SBf82t9ZvqR7Lb1HzcldLDvcxJNVmsM/s1600/after+change+mat+for+charlotte_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zSAihpXqec1HIjvKgEvrMOEHYOx3VOB32VHL0s9ADePMDh8EIsv4dZvaYrx3eSYHtDoG4YGGekjjWvzxaneGt3IVTFHYCj0RhsCjf70uQOi8SBf82t9ZvqR7Lb1HzcldLDvcxJNVmsM/s1600/after+change+mat+for+charlotte_back.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
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Charlotte's mum was very happy to receive the change mat. Best of all she said it might inspire her to take up sewing or something else crafty - I hope she does! </div>
<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-10872214012651518172014-05-28T04:55:00.000-07:002014-05-28T04:55:06.633-07:00Two very different bags...Bag #1: inspired by necessity, due to the old but actual excuse of 'my dog ate it....'<br />
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I had the need to replace our laundry bag, originally bought at Ikea and made of white plastic. The new dog decided not only to sleep in it, but then completely destroy it.<br />
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So: out came two lots of op shop fabric, one an original 70's curtain fabric that's been lying around for years, and the other a floral cotton from a garage sale. Voila!<br />
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This was a bit of an experiment, as I had to measure the old bag and try and figure out how it went together. I normally make lots of mathematical errors during this process, but it worked first time, which was nice! Here's the inside:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1c7OGUwrA8Tv-md62XhoOhW4n4WrBgA40JcwCjw7jW8cqQSX2izI0NEQql-6fcLcqzuOqjgn-zmM5aEPEXsu2Rj1F8kHUakMT2kslygs62biAm4Ypihyphenhyphen5dxUk08mIxuzG31uCTCHets/s1600/after+laundry+bag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1c7OGUwrA8Tv-md62XhoOhW4n4WrBgA40JcwCjw7jW8cqQSX2izI0NEQql-6fcLcqzuOqjgn-zmM5aEPEXsu2Rj1F8kHUakMT2kslygs62biAm4Ypihyphenhyphen5dxUk08mIxuzG31uCTCHets/s1600/after+laundry+bag1.jpg" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the tops, which were sewn on to the frame in the original, I used mass amounts of velcro so that I could wash it occasionally.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmBxaBaiCStcvd4bdoJKtvchMs6IehMKy7XLMpHjRtlvoqF2FKpOjbYGXf-mCmoXkYYeAwSejWPlxVPhvk3QvYtNM9YJh7-EolHz-YubUCBl0ypWSkQzuMPNwNMa1zIdbljDoW6oDeXc/s1600/after+laundry+bag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmBxaBaiCStcvd4bdoJKtvchMs6IehMKy7XLMpHjRtlvoqF2FKpOjbYGXf-mCmoXkYYeAwSejWPlxVPhvk3QvYtNM9YJh7-EolHz-YubUCBl0ypWSkQzuMPNwNMa1zIdbljDoW6oDeXc/s1600/after+laundry+bag3.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here's a shot of it in use! Just to show that yes, it can hold laundry. I would have made it all from the 70's fabric but I didn't have enough. Then afterwards I remembered that I had another two metres of it that was on the back seat of the car to catch food from the kids! Oh well. My friend Ankemaria eyed off that bit the other day so it has found a new home. I hope to see something cool made out of it by her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-eWWrXRHbLhx4JuDdmDlz9T1IYr81KK0SaCSaZfCkOhMjw3J2kXgP4yj-Lg-r2IKPl9pekUdikeBTwbKEa3-udDTErwnl2nRyMNODRvT6evQtHUkndbVIighkePLQtVdhgt5DzaYHsE/s1600/after+laundry+bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-eWWrXRHbLhx4JuDdmDlz9T1IYr81KK0SaCSaZfCkOhMjw3J2kXgP4yj-Lg-r2IKPl9pekUdikeBTwbKEa3-udDTErwnl2nRyMNODRvT6evQtHUkndbVIighkePLQtVdhgt5DzaYHsE/s1600/after+laundry+bag2.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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And bag #2: needed a birthday gift for a friend of Ellie's in a hurry. Aki had recently visited and spied this small piece of secondhand obi silk fabric in the sewing room. I bought it in Japan at a shop selling millions of rolls of preloved obi widths. She loved the fabric so much, and since I had not got around to using it in five years, I thought, why not. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTSlOH7mOl5G_MW8JcT4BRfx5ExRY6tMKsLfClbWJcYv26WDkHzmraLPqLyGeoS2GqR8nBIZL-KpaMG3kTlh7nJpIYlfoUr8Q-KPli0qZzIElYanil88xgWIKtnYCWmSy5_eFOGh_C3M/s1600/before+rescued+jap+obi+silk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTSlOH7mOl5G_MW8JcT4BRfx5ExRY6tMKsLfClbWJcYv26WDkHzmraLPqLyGeoS2GqR8nBIZL-KpaMG3kTlh7nJpIYlfoUr8Q-KPli0qZzIElYanil88xgWIKtnYCWmSy5_eFOGh_C3M/s1600/before+rescued+jap+obi+silk.jpg" height="84" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a close-up: I think it's hand-painted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd9yT1mqAtA0Pk2qyfkYgXS_Edv7NcqDoalOhF-3E6jCHelUmkbSlpUTcgukR5E2nxmcWdQ4xQGktZE7WgKXTaDMIpOxnM5saPzc0Y9H4Ups7NmKmkjnOsWykgyqkCyuOSO5uJbqXsIo/s1600/before+rescued+jap+obi+silk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd9yT1mqAtA0Pk2qyfkYgXS_Edv7NcqDoalOhF-3E6jCHelUmkbSlpUTcgukR5E2nxmcWdQ4xQGktZE7WgKXTaDMIpOxnM5saPzc0Y9H4Ups7NmKmkjnOsWykgyqkCyuOSO5uJbqXsIo/s1600/before+rescued+jap+obi+silk1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made a very simple drawstring bag and plonked a bit of purple ribbon in to draw it up. Here's side 1: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwjgn4NQbq5qSjPTddGF4FBtD84IfZX_hYDEWBeFSeheYrLCXz8Z0-pisGvRFEuDbpRoNyY_TI2J9_GJCrVX5UHxObxXZ7vtFFz6nqFz4uDPPKAGphFjEVIgSwElH9GNBARgiD4tKkR4/s1600/after+silk+bag+for+aki1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwjgn4NQbq5qSjPTddGF4FBtD84IfZX_hYDEWBeFSeheYrLCXz8Z0-pisGvRFEuDbpRoNyY_TI2J9_GJCrVX5UHxObxXZ7vtFFz6nqFz4uDPPKAGphFjEVIgSwElH9GNBARgiD4tKkR4/s1600/after+silk+bag+for+aki1.jpg" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
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And side 2: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb36TQmoHP4vdEvtONcQ3RaX9mJ7A24aO-6-MdBgoWHM31VSxV6ANmyemC-NrT9lpFJHSZ4sxETpazaWJocaeHQDzQ_QK7meVqwf2ckmmCOzhamMWiv9VlypMwmA3CH4q-_7I3W7LR2I/s1600/after+silk+bag+for+aki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb36TQmoHP4vdEvtONcQ3RaX9mJ7A24aO-6-MdBgoWHM31VSxV6ANmyemC-NrT9lpFJHSZ4sxETpazaWJocaeHQDzQ_QK7meVqwf2ckmmCOzhamMWiv9VlypMwmA3CH4q-_7I3W7LR2I/s1600/after+silk+bag+for+aki.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
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And just for fun, and 'arty' shot of it drawn up and hanging on my chest of drawers. I love this bit of furniture, it belonged to my Nana, and I'd had my eye on it since I was about 7 years old. The other little baggie is one my Mum made me many years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtytmMFlbWIjfw2k7v4Joix9TK9kVXhEXHudZzmqDOQefEAbUl6SKMNJhObHc24wsq3XkKi1kHYjohKL1ZEKFaoAKQTjONXduOBPx6qj0gsoN9Ey9NqM5PscDExP4gEmQqHHjLcqXzYk/s1600/after+silk+bag+for+aki2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtytmMFlbWIjfw2k7v4Joix9TK9kVXhEXHudZzmqDOQefEAbUl6SKMNJhObHc24wsq3XkKi1kHYjohKL1ZEKFaoAKQTjONXduOBPx6qj0gsoN9Ey9NqM5PscDExP4gEmQqHHjLcqXzYk/s1600/after+silk+bag+for+aki2.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-78406576747250359742014-05-19T05:05:00.000-07:002014-05-19T05:05:21.651-07:00From kimono to skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On a holiday to Japan with my mum five years ago, I discovered that second-hand goods seem to have very little value there. Much to my advantage, when I found a rack groaning with second-hand kimonos at the Yokohama quilt show. All the fabric for sale was crazy expensive, but silk kimonos were calling out to me at a measly $15! If I'd thought at all about it, I would have picked several, but I didn't.</div>
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Here's a closeup of the fabric - it's such a gorgeous design, and has lots of subtle colours in it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIujnpfD8Syf1BCFSGY6q94-8OGW4IJRty-7q9cE6NA-Yn6VChKVywXhqDhIj0ZkOYT6IGLeI8D0-zXBnDv9QylaMTVD5VXn-7p2nK6UXKzPUpQEvfi-FC1WINNkZGo9GGSdIjB4c0Vg/s1600/kimono+skirt+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIujnpfD8Syf1BCFSGY6q94-8OGW4IJRty-7q9cE6NA-Yn6VChKVywXhqDhIj0ZkOYT6IGLeI8D0-zXBnDv9QylaMTVD5VXn-7p2nK6UXKzPUpQEvfi-FC1WINNkZGo9GGSdIjB4c0Vg/s1600/kimono+skirt+detail.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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After four years hanging in my wardrobe, I realised I was never going to actually wear it as a kimono. It was far too long, and I just didn't ever feel like taking the hem up. One day, inspiration struck in the form of an A-line skirt by a great Aussie designer, <a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Nicole Mallalieu</a>. </div>
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Here's a picture of her version:</div>
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<img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6145/5962013003_77c452b682_m.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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I didn't add the contrast panel, and made the shorter version, but otherwise I followed the pattern, which is a good one. Here's mine in the kimono fabric:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXST-fmXrSl0kgJcX3oNM3V5oT4Lk_1hQ6gjoXXf3pk6aZUZn_UQy7m4XGYvnRckBDDsnmxO-TqJB2EPI7oxtNKTf5rh0F4yTH8y5SbWQwHxIVaOju7QjRkbdxl20NowXRsdi_pGDNKko/s1600/kimono+skirt+nicolem+aline+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXST-fmXrSl0kgJcX3oNM3V5oT4Lk_1hQ6gjoXXf3pk6aZUZn_UQy7m4XGYvnRckBDDsnmxO-TqJB2EPI7oxtNKTf5rh0F4yTH8y5SbWQwHxIVaOju7QjRkbdxl20NowXRsdi_pGDNKko/s1600/kimono+skirt+nicolem+aline+pattern.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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For something fun I used some left over red satin lining for the facing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x-CsWkJXHkij_8oVIyv1F_UNfybKNvukL1rhTsjHAjg8H1ik_puVdnhWFlBWeBTNbUFj54ulH4GmeahHMbG28y_3hs2H0pGmKGmjcgY4Zf-C3jrwaIua-5rjAcCWrcwJt3Oa5qFtWtM/s1600/kimono+skirt+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x-CsWkJXHkij_8oVIyv1F_UNfybKNvukL1rhTsjHAjg8H1ik_puVdnhWFlBWeBTNbUFj54ulH4GmeahHMbG28y_3hs2H0pGmKGmjcgY4Zf-C3jrwaIua-5rjAcCWrcwJt3Oa5qFtWtM/s1600/kimono+skirt+lining.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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This is the second skirt of this pattern I've made, and the first one was a bit too big. So I made the next size down, but unfortunately there is no give in the yoke of this one at all, and as a result it is a bit too small! Next time I'll go in between....</div>
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Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-67968355758741920602014-05-05T04:16:00.002-07:002014-05-05T04:16:46.765-07:00New tops from old clothes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Found an A-line skirt (no photo) with a very funky print in the Yass Salvo's a while ago. Although it fitted fine as a skirt it didn't thrill me. I liked the previous <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/washi/" target="_blank">Washi </a>top that I've blogged about a while ago. But, it is a bit on the small side, and the fabric turned out to not breathe too well. It might get re-remade into something else yet! </div>
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Anyway, I thought I'd make the next size up of the Washi using the skirt. I broke every rule about placing the pattern on the grainline to get it out of the fabric - pieces went every which way and a lot were on the bias. But t is fairly sturdy fabric so it didn't warp at all. I also decided to take out two of the front pleats from the original as they made me think maternity, and I am past that stage of my life! I like this version a lot better than the first one, and it's a lot more comfy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO8nX6lL2iDbOw-Z3d3ymkmIzx6fufA_nVMUy2A8Y0MfaWV7OJVElM4E6dKe9In-xQk_PGUcqzi_Rm6QK6Q4uTKO48l8W61mUn6ccl0f_kxF3FRV_A8jyCFWZXIDGQ3UOE6PCbJ65q7Q/s1600/Washi+top+from+opshop+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO8nX6lL2iDbOw-Z3d3ymkmIzx6fufA_nVMUy2A8Y0MfaWV7OJVElM4E6dKe9In-xQk_PGUcqzi_Rm6QK6Q4uTKO48l8W61mUn6ccl0f_kxF3FRV_A8jyCFWZXIDGQ3UOE6PCbJ65q7Q/s1600/Washi+top+from+opshop+skirt.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
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This second top below is only partly reusing an opshop Tshirt. The contrasting purple is the last piece of new fabric I bought at Spotlight about six months ago, and I've bought no other new fabric since. Since keeping an eye out for stretch knit fabric in the opshops I've amassed quite a stash!</div>
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The opshop shirt (no photo again, but you know what a tshirt looks like!) was a Maggie T brand plain tshirt in about a size 20 so plenty of fabric in it, but not quite enough for this. It's a<a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/the-penny-pinafore-sewing-pattern-for-teens-and-women" target="_blank"> Penny Pinafore</a> pattern, from another independent designer. Fairly simple to make up, with princess seams, and comes as a tshirt, tunic and a dress.</div>
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<img height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ4zJfvHgxV7a8bwjK6lBcGXK9VLi0aiEJDoV8Lm5Jw-z-5HnKQEGQH92d-b8fjXz05ERPnZITcDdi2Gvr5QXv6yxL9jJKd8WM1NMp_KrNx0lW-jZ984XIM33mhY6r5199RmHISYUivE8/s200/Penny+Pinafore+cover.png" width="200" /></div>
I made it shorter than the shortest tshirt as I didn't have enough fabric, but's plenty long enough. I'd never done princess/curved seams on stretch fabric before but it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bY8s_Bdt3_h6l97CprYuYKOZlxcJ_m1Z7-jyFmsIwZbQ9UKPpYcBBukEYIhWtaSIyRpd6L87JsHF0aoeLgk3q7wHhLL3Vo8jFy3FzkXyEUuXd-9iUa5ebI6PT9hyphenhyphengUY8VrRjCpy30eM/s1600/penny+pinafore+tunic+from+larger+tshirt+and+leftovers+yass+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bY8s_Bdt3_h6l97CprYuYKOZlxcJ_m1Z7-jyFmsIwZbQ9UKPpYcBBukEYIhWtaSIyRpd6L87JsHF0aoeLgk3q7wHhLL3Vo8jFy3FzkXyEUuXd-9iUa5ebI6PT9hyphenhyphengUY8VrRjCpy30eM/s1600/penny+pinafore+tunic+from+larger+tshirt+and+leftovers+yass+op+shop.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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Oh that's funny, I've just noticed that the version I made looks like I copied the colour scheme from the middle pattern picture! So didn't. This photo also makes it look almost asymmetric at the hem but it's really not, the hanger must have slipped in the breeze that always seems to spring up whenever I take pictures of clothes!<br />
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I was very lazy and only overlocked the neck edge, didn't finish the other seams at all, but hey, that's one of the benefits of sewing with knits. This turned out to be a really nice comfy tshirt and more flattering than the usual plain tshirt shape. Certainly figure hugging...<br />
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Before I made this top, I had made the dress-length version using the same purple. I planned to make it all purple, but ran out of length, so used a bit of red from an opshop buy years ago. I don't have a photo of it at the moment. A friend's partner refers to it as my 'tennis dress', which I take as a backhanded compliment (get it, backhanded....oh, I am so hilarious when I am tired. Goodnight!) Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-10343639027232552922014-05-01T05:08:00.000-07:002014-05-01T05:08:22.746-07:00New pants from old pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spied some red floral cotton pyjama pants in the Holbrook op shop (the BEST op shop, for those who are into that sort of thing) a few months ago. They were ladies' size 14 and super comfy, but they also super ripped the first time I wore them - fabric had worn out around the crotch. So out with the scissors to produce a pair of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/178195739/explorer-shorts-unisex-pdf-sewing?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted_en_au&utm_campaign=patterns_low" target="_blank">Explorer</a> shorts for Ellie. The pockets are actually new fabric, I will admit. I have to use up my stash of quilting fabrics somehow, now that I seem to not be making quilts any more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTqbjo2vjOwuetdtDBt7K1cByeOXf3JGuZbLZEyqNpRpFBd4MXadxRoXebh2zk833lG5nC70ZhP7_3Psa7tcjZPHPiKEux8TYm48avi3ucFaeMbPy6Mut-kKv3he39l82cLCheaLVPfU/s1600/explorer+shorts+from+pyjamas+holbrook+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTqbjo2vjOwuetdtDBt7K1cByeOXf3JGuZbLZEyqNpRpFBd4MXadxRoXebh2zk833lG5nC70ZhP7_3Psa7tcjZPHPiKEux8TYm48avi3ucFaeMbPy6Mut-kKv3he39l82cLCheaLVPfU/s1600/explorer+shorts+from+pyjamas+holbrook+op+shop.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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This is a great easy-to-make pattern recommended by Michelle, a fellow sewer in Gunning. I made lots of kids shorts from this pattern last summer. The pockets are a big bag that hang down inside, giving lots of room for all that crap that kids like to put in their pockets. </div>
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At the same time I also picked up a pair of men's satin boxer shorts in a cool spider print, thinking that they could be cut down to make..another pair of boxer shorts (what else)? for Kai. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sy0vTigdAPfhU6Nm83kAZ4vsWmLvCb2VwUSODfM7Xss3DQZGwpQ40SX80WnJ8-y94hojQ_q79NEn0M672QkHJn_yXi-ldwKn_lFSkRAt2RzLM0ERF6TUkBYb_Gy8OvgjP9wxQCWb1WY/s1600/kai+boxers+from+adult+boxers+yass+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sy0vTigdAPfhU6Nm83kAZ4vsWmLvCb2VwUSODfM7Xss3DQZGwpQ40SX80WnJ8-y94hojQ_q79NEn0M672QkHJn_yXi-ldwKn_lFSkRAt2RzLM0ERF6TUkBYb_Gy8OvgjP9wxQCWb1WY/s1600/kai+boxers+from+adult+boxers+yass+op+shop.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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This is just a standard shorts pattern, a Kwiksew kids' pattern that I have used for many and varied tracksuits, pyjamas, shorts, dressups and jackets for various nieces, nephews and my kids for the last 18 years at least. Unfortunately, Kai usually refuses to wear them, as he 'hates the spiders'! </div>
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This last picture is not a pair of pants, obviously, but thought I would chuck it in to round up an old project. I made this tiered skirt for Ellie a couple of years ago from a hideously ugly dress (no photo) I found in the free bin at Revolve. I didn't think it would really be her cup of tea, but it's actually been one of her favourite things I've made and has been worn more than any other thing I've made her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08_OMaXdWheVfcaN6wiXJraGxfdMKfyhy1kLIIajFLGzvGsHvfi3Q7Wba7wHZQWkvSEBUstcvqSlHRUHJ3-cxWOGm_lKBgK6KmSk_Bl_gIs7r9YFjCcrnRaqFohAQdxAdjG7sAZRVaKA/s1600/tiered+skirt+from+dress+in+revolve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08_OMaXdWheVfcaN6wiXJraGxfdMKfyhy1kLIIajFLGzvGsHvfi3Q7Wba7wHZQWkvSEBUstcvqSlHRUHJ3-cxWOGm_lKBgK6KmSk_Bl_gIs7r9YFjCcrnRaqFohAQdxAdjG7sAZRVaKA/s1600/tiered+skirt+from+dress+in+revolve.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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From memory the dress had the tiers as the bodice, so all I did was cut off the skirt section, cut off the straps, fold over the top of the bodice and then stick in some elastic. The rosette was part of the original dress so I just cut it off and added back to the top tier. Very simple. I think the reason Ellie likes to wear it is because of the feel of the fabric, which has a slippery satiny boxer-short feeling (I've no idea what it actually is). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihVkdIJzRtJtKMDdgznHQ5pDSMwz_h1i_ag-AyYr8jp_b9Y5dnfH2A8O0GLD84ObIB0wXHtra0eDWJ7SgrUAC4n9uCTHVN6_fsxfcP2ArJEhbkmafwSO857k2HCHmH1p8rul-AXzzfOM/s1600/tiered+skirt+from+dress+in+revolve+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihVkdIJzRtJtKMDdgznHQ5pDSMwz_h1i_ag-AyYr8jp_b9Y5dnfH2A8O0GLD84ObIB0wXHtra0eDWJ7SgrUAC4n9uCTHVN6_fsxfcP2ArJEhbkmafwSO857k2HCHmH1p8rul-AXzzfOM/s1600/tiered+skirt+from+dress+in+revolve+detail.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was in Holbrook again a couple of days ago but didn't get to the op shop this time. Did manage a visit to the Vinnies in Albury though - that is another good one, you can find it near the Centrepoint arcade off the main street. I scored several metres of unused both white and black stretch fabric for a few dollars that I plan to make something from for my next project. Stay tuned!</div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-27367262635136013682014-04-19T03:57:00.000-07:002014-04-19T03:57:59.709-07:00Green linen skirt + white sundress = iPad cover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In need of an 8th birthday present for Ellie's friend Tana, I whipped up an iPad case. Ellie chose the fabric - an op-shop deep green linen skirt that I have worn a few times, but it was just a bit tight for comfort. Here's Ellie hiding behind it to make it float...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsufe58uk-rEvvyKP_6FnGOZNw82m2BMZkdeTCwUIOu8f46DBgmVYE5Xl2WGSV_v-uqmrSjeBV0FJxrQWEvEjgKf_qIX2_6F_KMEj-NZ_3UmlGrcywR6nyJ4txt-EwJFUhFmXe5tvTaM/s1600/before+green+linen+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsufe58uk-rEvvyKP_6FnGOZNw82m2BMZkdeTCwUIOu8f46DBgmVYE5Xl2WGSV_v-uqmrSjeBV0FJxrQWEvEjgKf_qIX2_6F_KMEj-NZ_3UmlGrcywR6nyJ4txt-EwJFUhFmXe5tvTaM/s1600/before+green+linen+skirt.jpg" height="320" width="311" /></a></div>
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To make the case I just layered long rectangles of the linen, some quilt wadding and a fish-print lining fabric (which came from a preloved cotton sundress given to me by my friend Marg). </div>
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Sewed the three layers together and turned right side out, then topstitched and added some Velcro. Super-easy. Ellie wanted to 'help', so she wrote his name on it!</div>
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I had to hand-sew up the sides, as I had not left enough room for the iPad plus its leather cover (I'd calculated size based on a 'naked' iPad). Looks a bit crooked in the picture but I think that's the camera angle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8c9edLZy7R-72fEUjiMQh-LU8saWl6jC-7vfAWMGJW6Xfku7qagktJi71dTRU7VVKEs2oro1BZCRvoImwUYLMAFqez_olIt2OtykYcB4YAGktA6Gu6IRhLw40s4prkSNRbKW1-keVx8/s1600/after+ipad+case+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8c9edLZy7R-72fEUjiMQh-LU8saWl6jC-7vfAWMGJW6Xfku7qagktJi71dTRU7VVKEs2oro1BZCRvoImwUYLMAFqez_olIt2OtykYcB4YAGktA6Gu6IRhLw40s4prkSNRbKW1-keVx8/s1600/after+ipad+case+2.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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It just fitted! Here's a pic of it closed. I had to double sew the velcro and zigzag it, because the first time I tested opening the bag, the velcro ripped straight off! Whoops. If I learnt something from this project, it's to buy decent-quality velcro - the stuff I have came on a big roll and was cheap as. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXqRsL5Kwnx9GZIU7q_l5wK9HyfHxdZN-Ph7wFbUfK8Ok6G4McAcsAY3BrMmvGQcaXt2ItFqUHqlaGnSacbUJGg3UIamCZIry4hb-Tl0I6NeEUstYBN4pq37nN_WbKydXHMRAZYd-anI/s1600/after+ipad+case+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXqRsL5Kwnx9GZIU7q_l5wK9HyfHxdZN-Ph7wFbUfK8Ok6G4McAcsAY3BrMmvGQcaXt2ItFqUHqlaGnSacbUJGg3UIamCZIry4hb-Tl0I6NeEUstYBN4pq37nN_WbKydXHMRAZYd-anI/s1600/after+ipad+case+1.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
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The birthday boy seemed happy with it. Good idea if you are stuck for a present and have only about two hours to make one! </div>
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<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2497639305999691732.post-10004887241308372972014-04-05T04:24:00.000-07:002014-04-05T04:24:20.855-07:00Partly upcycled Belladone <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, this is not <i>totally</i> made using recycled fabric. But it's cute. It's a <a href="http://boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/2-dresses-belladone-dress.html" target="_blank">Belladone </a>dress by French designers Deer and Doe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBgjQY5I5fOqwzoJRLMimYOke2DEk_sgZyEQUNQU_93Bq34HhNrZSGNXBE54xBah1tcAygSiJltCOl7n4m14kt2HPbbZ9QJKg4DR4sQrZShkJ2oFnHr6yMdZoTnGDnEEX-8YGde4TMj4/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBgjQY5I5fOqwzoJRLMimYOke2DEk_sgZyEQUNQU_93Bq34HhNrZSGNXBE54xBah1tcAygSiJltCOl7n4m14kt2HPbbZ9QJKg4DR4sQrZShkJ2oFnHr6yMdZoTnGDnEEX-8YGde4TMj4/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+front.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
The blue fabric came from my Mum's stash and the binding I made myself using strips cut from a shirt from one of the Yass op shops. It was a lovely blue green colour but hideously ugly, with 'Fiji' printed across it in several places. Sorry, no photo!<br />
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Here's the back view. It has a really interesting back neckline with overlapped sections (which I overlapped the wrong way: sssshhh!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvjcceNPvlCAwJaw7SGP4KP94iCn95WUwnA-jT7Z8cIniZV1Yo4_7oepChL1u-a85qVDbwvpFxffevbhZR78LyN8oKym9f_mfdu0UWpb-WjbiVH1XjsJZQDdwqXeUfpshyphenhyphenT3mn4zMqRw/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvjcceNPvlCAwJaw7SGP4KP94iCn95WUwnA-jT7Z8cIniZV1Yo4_7oepChL1u-a85qVDbwvpFxffevbhZR78LyN8oKym9f_mfdu0UWpb-WjbiVH1XjsJZQDdwqXeUfpshyphenhyphenT3mn4zMqRw/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+back.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A close up of the binding. This was the first time I used a Clover bias binding maker for this job, and it does save a lot of burnt fingertips and time, though I had so many joins in the strips that it was a major pain in the bi-as to pull them through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiTSpPpSJLSGHDydlMia5aAdQYkctaB5p38zzAcbeVF0dEn3hcGMIeP9I3kr6FzQ8aBAZ25EnfvSb0-hjuhaywvyEeqrpx0Q2PY0qjgRiloweXqgTydkACCPSeldfE3AL0MXLRtxxOTo/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+detail+binding+from+top+yass+op+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiTSpPpSJLSGHDydlMia5aAdQYkctaB5p38zzAcbeVF0dEn3hcGMIeP9I3kr6FzQ8aBAZ25EnfvSb0-hjuhaywvyEeqrpx0Q2PY0qjgRiloweXqgTydkACCPSeldfE3AL0MXLRtxxOTo/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+detail+binding+from+top+yass+op+shop.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was the first dress that I actually made a muslin for, as it looked pretty tricky to fit. I was right to do it, as I had to lengthen the bodice and widen the waistband. Unfortunately I didn't fit the back too well, so on this version, I had to add four extra darts to the upper back to stop it gaping. You can see two of them in the closeup below (the ones that angle 45 degrees to the zip). The other two are hidden under the overlapped section, so it was lucky in the end, that I stuffed up there and did the overlap back to front!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6DegXU2g68mYb9l4oiR3JGb7nbJPbCLhqWhJg1a2GEsoAf00uyRMtVF0A-SGaMU_tSBwE2vLUM3OrbfSg-reZAm47lOkBbpi51O4M-NKhzpz7SFRepdJ5-fB-t9AQUm75huMoZNH68s/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+back+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6DegXU2g68mYb9l4oiR3JGb7nbJPbCLhqWhJg1a2GEsoAf00uyRMtVF0A-SGaMU_tSBwE2vLUM3OrbfSg-reZAm47lOkBbpi51O4M-NKhzpz7SFRepdJ5-fB-t9AQUm75huMoZNH68s/s1600/belladone+blue+dress+back+closeup.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
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Although I bothered to unpick the binding and zip when I did the visible darts above, I was too lazy to unpick the binding from the second lot of hidden darts. So, they are slightly bodgy. However, my extra darts did not prevent me from taking out FIRST prize at the Gunning Show. Yes, you read correctly. First prize, and I am not telling you how many other entries were in that class... </div>
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I do like this dress, but the pattern instructions, translated from their original French, were not the most user-friendly I have seen. There was no mention of how to finish the zip at the top, for example, which was tricky, as the binding is added before the zip. I emailed the pattern designer and they just said to cut the top of the zipper straight across. That seemed highly dubious to me. I ended up folding the ends over and sewing into the binding when I replaced it. So thanks to Lauren from <a href="http://lladybird.com/" target="_blank">Lladybird</a> and Jo from <a href="http://bubalablog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bubula</a>, who have both made this dress and gave me advice on finishing the zip.<br />
<br />Kath Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127833325696789893noreply@blogger.com2