Saturday, January 4, 2014

The GIRL has a new WORLD

New years are full of promise,  of plans  and.........


  my  new blog  Material World at Wordpress.com  




I just wanted my blog to have more pictures and a better layout.    My blogging skills were challenged so I decided to take a Web building course.  The course did not use Blogger. com but  Wordpress. com.  With the work in class and support of the teacher it became apparent that I was more comfortable with Wordpress.com.


Please come visit  Material World

Monday, October 7, 2013

Bendigo

Knitting


Blue wrap cardi.   Patons 12ply  Jet

I have not knitted for years.    I started this Patons Jet cardigan last year and  completed it this winter.   I have always found wool too hot but now not working and spending days at the sewing machine it is just right.  I choose this because it style  knits up quick and is a relative simple pattern  (basket weave) to follow.  I had forgotten that I knit loose....and the completed garment is 'oversized' great for wrapping up and watching TV.


Close up of the Basket Weave




















I remember my Mum knitting my sister and me mohair jumpers,   red and blue mohair jumpers.   On the front she pictured knitted a white poodle.  I loved that jumper so much and ever since I have had a 'thing' for mohair.  So..... I purchased 22 balls of this Cleakheatons blue mohair  and knitted this... minus the poodle.


Cleckeatons Wool  Mohair














Monday, June 17, 2013

A New Dimension

A New Dimension  by Cutting Line Designs

Just completed Louise Cutting's newest pattern View B from an ancient wool gabardine.  There is a lot of action happening with this pattern  at the Louise Cutting thread at Artisan Square.  It is  fun sewing the new pattern as a group.  I love the  feedback and seeing other sewers' garments.  As well,  Louise Cutting  is always popping in to give advice and to inspire us with new ways to use/develop her patterns into a stunning wardrobe.    Click on the link to Flickr to see some of the group's  Cutting Line garments.

  I am sure this fabric has been around (stashed) since the last time this colour was in fashion.    I selected the wool as I thought it may have been easier to sculpt /press the collar  into the unusual position.  The pattern was easy to sew and went together beautifully.  I used French seams;  was undecided about lining it;  thinking it may be  more casual unlined.

 I want to make the shorter version up...but I am trying hard to be discipled and to complete the lining of another jacket.    At the moment I am trying to sew  seasonally and clothing that I can wear to an Art Gallery.


Detail of the unusual collar treatment.  






Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Biker Style

   FOUR POINTS HOTEL DARLING HARBOUR


I love new jackets.  I wanted a slouchy, casual jacket for walking at night  (to dinner at Terrigal ) with a few pockets .  This biker style from Burda 1/2010 was perfect.    I took it to Sydney last week and  watched the Vivid light festival at Darling Harbour ,  Circular Quay and wore it to the outside screening of the State of Origin game  at the haunted "Dundee Arms Pub".  It kept me nice and toastie.

  I used a navy  wool gabardine and lined with a spotty navy and red silk.  (I paid $1 per metre).  The pattern  recommended coat fabric which I think meant a little thicker then what I used.   This piece of wool was purchased in China back in 2001.  I did a little short "navel" inspired jacket for my daughter a few years ago,  and I think there is just enough for warm pants left.

I used  Burda Magazine pattern from 1/2010  and cut a straight 42 with no alterations.   I always get confused putting the collar/lapels together and have a "thing" about them,  so I try to sew them early in the process to get them over and done with.  (Really if they do not work then I can rid of the project) I  have sort of decided to try to make a few more and in the hope that I will get better.   The entire jacket was interfaced  and  I 'bagged ' the lining.  Finding the right notions is always hard and   I had to shortened the zips by pulling out the unwanted teeth with pliers and reattaching the zip stops,  which can make the tapes look a bit messy.

Zips
Burda 1/2010
Lining
                 


 Burda  included a pattern for a fur collar. I was out shopping and found a navy  merino wool collar.

Pattern: Burda Magazine  1/2010
Fabric:   Navy wool gabardine from stash,  purchased 2001 2.5m
Lining:  Navy and red silk  2m
Notions:  zips from Spotlight


Museum of Contemporary Art Vivid Festival2013

Sydney Opera House  Vivid Festival 2013





Thursday, April 25, 2013

Sewing Retreat (I surrender)

BURDA   2569   (OOP)

I have just experienced my first sewing retreat.   I am not to sure if I was welcomed,  but now know that sewers do not like music or perfume.  You must be careful to keep all of your stuff on your table and never leave anything in the common area.   When you are told not to bring power boards etc. don't believe that - always trust your instincts.  Always take alcohol,  you may need medication.

 It is always best to take simple pre cut projects,  as  access to space/ironing boards is limited.   As most retired  early to their rooms I was able to use the cutting tables at night and we were naughty as we listened to Penny's music.  We did have some fun trying to find Rhona's invisible zipper  (no luck) and I was amazed at the size of the rats  that we do not talk about feasting in the bins.
 The weather was far too good to spend inside.


I was able to sew:    Pure and Simple Jacket  Cutting Line Design blogged about previously
                                Burda Knit Cardigan (above) and pull on pants. (oop)
                                Of The Moment Jacket  Cutting Line Design for my daughter
                                Anns Cardigan Sewing Workshop


Wardrobe coordinates  BURDA2569 pattern has been in my collection for a while.  I made it from a  heavy navy knit.



Fabric:  stash 4m x 140cms  (both cardigan and pants)


Need to finish The Of The Moment jacket and add the elastic to the pants.





BY Popular Demand


By Popular Demand  jacket pattern Cutting Line Designs

I have been working on a purple/white theme.  This is another BPD jacket made in a cotton jacquard to go with the purple/grey linen Easy Ageless and Cool pants.  In this photo I am wearing it with slim stretch satin Burda pants from 12/2012  number 148.

Lucy the Labradoodle 

Anything But Ordinary by Cutting Line Designs




 Worn with the Easy Ageless and Cool pants  (another Cutting Line Design)  and a RTW knit skirt.


JacketFabric:  stash 2m x140

Pant Fabric:  I have had this fabric forever,  maybe 10years?
I used about 2.5m x140cm