Here are some images of my latest sewing creations:
My three pairs of trousers made from Burda 7486. I have another pair in a black stretch denim as well. I quite like this pattern. From left to right:
Birds and birdcages
Diamonds (bling print)
The rightmost-print is not actually African wax – it’s just an ethnic-y style cotton print I got at a jumble sale.
Some other creations:
Shorts, these are made from Vogue 2532. Not my favourite pattern – the way the shorts are constructed with the pockets in the side seam means the pockets bulge out unattractively. I have not re-used this pattern since.
This is a self drafted pattern, using this awesome umbrella print! Unfortunately after sewing it together I realised that I have two big blue umbrellas right over my nipples.
Here is another self-drafted dress. This one is basically one large piece with kimono-style-ish wide sleeves. It does have a slit along the side too so I can ride my bike in it. I love this print and this dress – it’s probably not showcased very well here on the washing line but it’s very flattering and probably my favourite creation so far this year.
Well, until I finished my jacket:
Yes, it is the same print as one of my pairs of trousers above. I could wear an entire bling wax print suit! This was made using variation A of Burda 7135.
It took me about 18 hours to complete, and using a figure of $25 an hour as my typical hourly wage, plus materials, this jacket is worth about $500 NZD. But I say it’s priceless! Anyway I managed to learn a few new things while I was at it. I’m planning to make another one soon – that way I will be able to practise the new skills again before I have forgotten them and hopefully get better at stuff like a notched collar and welt pockets.
I put the buttonholes/buttons on the wrong side (it buttons like a man’s coat). But they’re cute buttons right?!
I managed to melt the acetate lining when ironing the sleeve cuff… also there’s supposed to be some kind of “vent” in the sleeve that I haven’t yet figured out how it’s supposed to work.
It may be hard to tell from this photo but my collar and lapels are really sloppy looking. This is even after completely taking the entire collar apart and re-sewing all 8 pieces, clipping, trimming, etc. etc. very painstakingly and delicately! I still can’t figure out why it looks so sloppy – I tried really hard to line everything up neatly. I think the problem is that I still haven’t figured out which seams cause which effects on the finished garment – and what needs to be lined up with what. I’m a “global learner” according to some tests my students have to take, and I think that means if I can’t see the “big picture” I struggle. So, hopefully doing a lapel and notched collar for a 3rd time (or maybe 4th if my next jacket needs it to be done twice like this one did) I will have a better idea of how it all works.
Also the collar is a bit floppy – I will definitely use some interfacing for some of the pieces in my next version. I don’t know why the pattern itself doesn’t recommend interfacing those pieces?
Any, it looks fabulous regardless, and I am happy to wear it even if it is a bit sloppy looking. Luckily the print is so busy it’s hard to notice all the flaws!