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Saturday 11 June 2011

Me-Made-June Day 9, 10 & 11:

MMJ Day 9:


McCalls M5890


This is the shawl collar pattern that I have made twice now, which I could probably call fail safe, or fool safe.  I usually wear a 'uniform' to work daily and my wardrobe needs to be a mix and match of essential 
pieces that are practical and smart for school. 



Teaching young adolescents can be challenging and puts you in the limelight for sometimes unusual scrutiny.  As a role model for young people it is important to portray professionalism and to never under-estimate the influence an adult can have on the young people we teach.  I try to reflect this in my wardrobe; not too much black and grey in one outfit.  Also, I feel more confident wearing colour, with a dash of individual creativity. 

MMJ Day 10: 

This pattern is a basic that I have adapted many times to suit the variety of tunics and vests that I make.  It seems to suit me well, in all the short and long versions that I have made.  Since I first bought this I must have acquired various other patterns that are similar, but this is one of my favourites as it is already tried and true when it comes to fit.  
MMJ Day 11:

Thursday 9 June 2011

Me-Made-June Day 8:

MMJ Day 8:
This was my inspiration for a circular scarf, which came from the TS 14 Plus website.  I am a fan of most of the styles on this plus-sized site, which I often use for inspiration when I make tunics and vests.
I wanted to have some accessories for the MMJ challenge, so used a remnant to make this easy scarf.  The fabric was called a 'vintage' cotton; unfortunately I wouldn't want to use this fabric for a full garment.  It frays for too easily and slips, so it wouldn't be my first choice.  The grey/navy colourway is an ideal match with my thrifted silver grey velvet tunic, which I wore out to the movies. 

I bought this remnant particularly for this purpose, but I'm sure I have got plenty of other remnants in my stash that would serve the purpose just as well.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Me-Made-June'11 Challenge: Day 4, 5, 6 & 7


Queen's Birthday Weekend:
All these beautiful prints (or variations) are essential wearing in summer and winter.  It's the beginning of winter and a wonderful 21 degrees Celcius, which is very unusual for this time of the year.  In fact, I can't ever remember it being this warm.  So, for the long weekend we're off to the city for two days, along with some colourful tunics.
This is a burdastyle pattern, which can be adapted very easily.  I have used a similar pattern, which is a basic version for V or round neck tunics.  This can also be adapted for vests. 
MMJ Day4:

It was so warm, instead of layering a merino top under the tunic I wore a black mesh long sleeved top.

MMJ Day 5:

More graphic or abstact designs with a red top underneath. 

MMJ Day 6:


Lots of colour and great for layering.

MMJ Day 7:
Colours lift the mood and make you smile.

I have lots of vests just right for adding colour and interest to block colour garments.

Monday 6 June 2011

Me-Made-June'11 Challenge: Day 1, 2 &3

This is a belated post for Day 1, 2 and 3 for the Me-Made-June Challenge.
MMJ Day 1:

This is one of my favourite quick and easy patterns for a shawl collar lightweight knit jacket.

MMJ Day2:
I have made a number of tunic tops made from stretch fabric to wear with layers.  This is an interesting graduated tie-dye effect that I like to wear in summer or winter.

MMJ Day3:

This black velvet garment is one of my wardrobe staples for evening wear, which I like to wear with a textured black ensemble to add interest and fun.

Friday 3 June 2011

Me-Made-June '11 Challenge

It's already June and I'm just starting to put together an inventory and some aims for the challenge.  I started off well by completing my UFO's ready for June and then was unable to add any new posts due to my work commitments.  Roswell Week was completed over two weekends; so much for the 7 days and sewing after work.  My sewing output doesn't seem to be very successful after a full day of work!
So here goes:

This time last year I got a box full of pattterns from a fundraiser for $1.00.  It was the second day of the fundraiser, which obviously meant that they thought they would get landed with what was left and may have to take everything else that was left over to the rubbish dump. 

This was one of the thirty multi-size patterns (size 8-22) that was in the box!   The patterns vary from the late 1970's to approximately 1984, along with some seasonal booklets showing variations in the basic patterns, plus a design book explaining how to slash and spread to adapt patterns. The illustrations in the booklets are all very '80s, but the styles can easily be adapted. 

I have always liked cowl neck tops for summer and winter.  I'm sure I have at least half a dozen recent handmades from this pattern, or a simlar pattern I already had in my stash.


This is another pattern that I like to use, which I bought for the speedy sewing: ten, twenty, thirty minute sewing.  I like the idea of being able to use this pattern to make a variety of garments for a capsule wardrobe. This concept is very popular and certainly makes it possible to get the most out of your wardrobe. 


I have made two versions of B, the shawl collar long-sleeved jacket, made from stretch knit jersey.

Everything I've made recently adds to my working wardrobe. Completing an inventory of recent handmades should force me to try to complete looks, so that I don't end up with too many stand alone garments that are difficult to mix and match.