Me-Made-May '15

I can't believe it's almost May already. I participated in Me-Made-May '14, last year for the first time and really enjoyed it, so I have decided to join in again this year.

It's a great way to document your wardrobe and see what is working and what is not. Last year I found it very useful as a tool for evaluating my wardrobe and identifying areas that needed attention. It was also a huge boost to my sewing mojo which I'm hoping will happen again this year.

Here is my pledge:

'I, Jean of http://sewjeanmargaret.blogspot.com.au/, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15. I endeavour to wear as many Me Made garments as possible each day for the duration of May 2015'

Over the last year or so, I seem to have expanded around my waistline. This has been a gradual weight gain due to the onset of middle age, generally over eating and laziness. It has got to the stage where a lot of my Me Made clothes have become uncomfortably tight around the middle...some even unwearable.

I have been feeling very fat and frumpy lately, but struggling to find the motivation to do something about it. So I thought I might use Me-Made-May '15 to not only wear as many Me Made garments as possible each day, but to motivate me into eating more healthily and exercising, so that by the end of May I can fit more comfortably back into my Me Made clothes. Daily photos will keep me accountable and provide the motivation I need.

I will post once a week with photos of my daily outfits and I will be joining the Me-Made-May '15 Flickr Group.

Looking forward to sharing and following along with everyone else who has joined in this year.

Happy Me-Made-May '15

Style Arc Adele Tunic in Stripes

Recently I had the unexpected opportunity to visit The Remnant Warehouse in Sydney. I have bought quite a bit of fabric from their online store in the past, so it was great to actually visit the real shop for the first time. It was during this visit that I picked up this lovely cotton lycra stripe in a soft grey and white. They had precut bundles of this fabric in one metre lengths for $5.00. I bought two bundles and used it to try out the Style Arc Adele Top.

Style Arc Adele Tunic

I made a size 12 and the only alteration I made was to the shape of the neckline.

I took my time to match the stripes at the side seams. I could have constructed this entirely on the overlocker but I knew my stripes would never line up if I did this. So I used a very narrow zigzag on my sewing machine and my walking foot and lots of pins. This worked really well and I am glad I took the extra time and effort.

I love the fit of this tunic. There is negative ease across the bust and shoulders, but then it falls loosely over the tummy and hips, effectively hiding any lumpy bits. I am wearing this tunic with my Style Arc Elle Pants.

Neckline borrowed from the Sewaholic Renfrew

 

You may have noticed that my neckline is quite different from the pattern illustration. I am not a fan of crew necklines on me, so I redrew the neckline using the Sewaholic Renfrew View B with the V neckline, and I followed the Sewaholic instructions for the construction of the V neckline.

There is a side split on one side which assists with the fit over the hips. I am more rectangular shaped, so I probably could get away without the side split, but this would be great for those of you who are more pear shaped.

I love the asymmetrical hemline too. I think it is very flattering and helps elongate and slim the torso. I used a twin needle to sew all the hemlines. I wanted to use some Steam a Seam Lite to stabilize the hems before stitching but my local supplier was out of stock, so I forged ahead very carefully, using my walking foot. The result wasn't too bad but there is some tunneling.

Loving my new Adele Tunic which has been worn three times already. I will be making more of these when I can find the right fabric.

Happy Sewing

Style Arc Laura Easter Dress

Style Arc Laura Dress

Finally I have got to make the Style Arc Laura Dress. This pattern has been around for quite a while and there are lots of versions out there on the inter webs for inspiration.

Style Arc Laura Dress

Style Arc recommend any knit fabric with plenty of stretch. I decided that I knew best and used a very bright floral printed scuba knit for the main part of the dress and an off white ponte for the yoke and sleeves. Both of these fabrics were purchased from Spotlight. I cut a straight size 12 (my usual size in Style Arc patterns).

Unfortunately, I ignored the "plenty of stretch" in Style Arc's fabric recommendation. You may have noticed that my dress has short sleeves. This was a necessary modification mid sew, due to the lack of stretch in my chosen fabric. Originally I did cut the long sleeves, but they were so uncomfortably tight in the forearms, that they made the dress unwearable. 

There is a centre back seam with some shaping for a nice fit. I finished off all the hems with a twin needle for a neat finish. I used a binding on the neckline as instructed, but my fabric was too bulky to fold over and stitch in the ditch. I ended up turning the binding completely to the inside and securing with a twin needle. This did give a nice neat finish.

The front doesn't drape as nicely as it should, if it had been made in a knit with more stretch (and drape) as recommended, I'm sure it would look less maternity. Maybe I could add a couple of darts in the front to reduce the volume? I'm open to suggestions if anyone has any bright ideas.

Hope you are all having a Happy Easter break, and getting to spend some time in your sewing rooms.

Happy Sewing