Saturday, January 5, 2013

What's on my Ironing Board

Well, for a supposed sewing blogger who is always putting her tuppence in on others' blogs, I don't post much about my own sewing. Mainly because I don't get much time to sew. However, I am on a ROLL, people! I've set up on the dining room table downstairs as upstairs is like a sauna, and so it is super easy just to go do some sewing any time I'm home. My ironing board is, I feel, an appropriate place to take photos, given this blog is sent from my iRon ;-)
I've made two things already, but these projects are still WIP:
Ruffle neck smock in Bellagio pattern quilt cotton. I fell hard for this fabric and simply HAD to have a garment in it. I nearly finished it while away on retreat on 2-3 December, but it was way too big. Cut from a voile one I made a few years ago that could handle the extra volume, but this heavier cotton just couldn't.

 This frill is hand hemmed in a tiny roll. I love doing that stuff! I have cut it down considerably and just have to put the sleeves back in and the side seams and bottom hem and buttons, should be done by the time I go to bed this evening. Fingers crossed :)
A better shot of this fab fabric. I am no match for any black fabric with red flowers on it - half my wardrobe is based upon that singular passion. And with some nice olivey greens, mmmm!

Far less advanced - all that has happened so far is fabric prewashed and pattern ordered from afar, is MrC's shirts. The new trend for men's shirts to be in candy colored checks is so dull. My extroverted hubby who works in his own business half of the week loves a bit of flamboyance, and inspired by a combo of a dear friend's recent shirt purchases in Sydney and the wonderful Oobop's adventures with Butterick 5007, I've decided it is time to put my sewing machine where my mouth is and make the lovely MrC some shirts.
Honestly without Oobop's make of this scary pattern, I'd never look at it twice! It is winging its way here from afar as I type.
Exhibit #1, yummy autumny colours with enormous peacocks. It will be a fun extra challenge to match this big pattern across a shirt placket...
Exhibit #2 - A shabby chic Jacobean print by my much loved Jason Yenter. 
I have a few other summer weights to make up - a lighter version of the ruffle smock to truly replace the cool (in both senses) original, and a couple more maxi dresses. I am living in lightweight maxis in this crazy heat!
My other sewing task right now is a big pile of cushions for a fair next weekend. 5 down, 18 to go! arrgh!!
I just realised that all of these makes, cushions included, are in quilting cottons. Excellent quality one with a good drape, and perfect for these types of garments.
So what's on your ironing board, apart from scorch marks? ;-)

13 comments:

  1. Those fabrics look lovely - can't wait to see the WIP finished.

    You didn't blog about the second version of the Burda top you worn on your telly show. That looked spectacular.

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    1. I will, promise. And even #3 hack once I tame it :)

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  2. nice to find another NZ sewing blogger (not that I'm all sewing!!)

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  3. Ooooh, pretty, pretty fabric!! Especially that peacock one - can't wait to see it made up! I'm sure it'll look fabulous on Mr C :-)

    I've just finished a sleeveless 1050's blouse (hopefully get a blog post up about it tomorrow) and the next project will be a baby sleeping bag for the little fellow who can't keep his covers on for more than 20 seconds....

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    1. Aww, he will be as cute as a little pea in its pod :)

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  4. Love what is happening on your ironing board! Though, way too hot to actually have the iron on at the moment - fingers crossed for some cool weather blowing across your parts soon...J

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    1. So true! Today is overcast but not too cool. But I may just have to wear ruffle top anyway, it is so pretty!!

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  5. I need that Butterick pattern! I'm going on Etsy IMMEDIATELY- I've decided that if I don't move to a cowboy state for my residency, I'm going to dress like it anyway!

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  6. Oh my what exquisite taste in fabric you have, MrsC! I'm so honoured to be any sort of inspiration to you. lol... that shirt pattern does take some seeing through but it is a lovely shape, nice and fitted. Looking forward so seeing Mr C strut his stuff!

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    1. Yes, I admit I am a bit spooked by it - early experience of men's shirt patterns from that time was not positive, but I trust the force. I am BIT worried that I bought a 42 and you cut a 40 for your bloke who appears to have a bit more meat on his bones than mine! Oh well, it will be an excuse to make a copy off it instead of using it :)

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  7. I used to make clothes before I became totally absorbed in piecing quilts - but that shirt is so like one I made for my two sons, in plaid with the separate yoke - I even made one in denim with embroidery on the back yoke - oh my, those were the days!

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