Friday 31 August 2018

McCalls 7325

I bought this pattern when I was holidaying in Seattle last year.  I was just looking up the website for Nancy's Sewing Basket and the website said that they were closing after 39 years. That is such a shame. It seems it's hard for independent fabric stores anywhere in the world.  It is so strange given the fact that there seems to be a new wave of people starting to make their own clothes. Obviously not enough  I could bang on for hours about all the stores that used to be in Brisbane when I was a novice sewer back in the late 80's.  The smaller stores that do exist now are generally still part of a chain and the fabrics are quite expensive.  I hope fabric doesn't become something you can only buy on line.  That would be madness. Imagine not being able to touch it.  Don't go the way of the video store and no doubt eventually the record store, I beg of you!!! 

Well that's enough of that, to the garment at hand.  It only took me just under a year to finally use this pattern. I had this lovely rayon I bought 2 years ago that I was kind of holding onto for a possible summer dress, but it was the right amount so it's now my first (of no doubt many) McCall's 7325. 


The pattern was really straightforward and I had no issues with the construction.  I decided not to leave it opening at the front because the rayon is soft I thought it would probaly just flop forward with an opening.  I could have probably done this top in one afternoon, but I got distracted with other things. I think I'll be able to get a bit of wear out of this top before the weather turns hot. Such nice roomy sleeves. 
 

I took my new top out for a test drive. Mum and I went down to Sandgate, north of Brisbane to have a nice lunch by the bay. It was one of those perfect winter days. Blue sky, warm in the sun but a  nice breeze coming off the water.  And I got to pat some lovely dogs who were out enjoying the day with their owners.
 

 

Friday 17 August 2018

Self drafted rayon dress

This fabulous red rayon gave me flashbacks to the 80's. I'm sure I remember seeing blouses in a fabric very similar.  So it was only fitting that I used an 80's dress pattern as the basis of this self-drafted frock.  


I think I took these photos a year ago.  Where does the time go.  Anyways this is just a very simple dress. Pretty much 2 rectangles for the bodice and 2 rectangles for the skirt.  The bodice was joined to the skirt and then I created a casing for the elastic. 


These photos remind me it's time to colour my hair again.