Finished at last!

Remember I mentioned a while back in this post that we were having a Sew Along on the Down to Earth Forums. I decided to use up some of the seersucker I bought on a roll from one of the Op Shops and make some shortie PJs. Now I haven't sewn any clothing for myself for absolutely years but I was so impressed by the lovely lady who was running the Sew Along that I thought I would give it a go and buy the pattern which is New Look Pattern 6871.

 

 Obviously the colour of the seersucker has changed since I first cut out the pattern as it is now much darker. LOL! That's what using a flash does. I haven't quite finished as I need to spray away the water erasable pen marks and give them an iron. They have been strategically folded so you don't see the homemade green and white spotted bias binding I used as it has been sitting there for years waiting to be included in some outfit when I used to sew for my granddaughters but, as I have a great dislike of using bias binding, it has been left on the bottom of my craft supplies and rarely saw the light of day.

 It actually looked quite nice as a contrast on the pink floral fabric and I wished I had unearthed it earlier before I put on the lace which I was also trying to use up.

Our very talented presenter of the Sew Along, Fran from Frances Lee Studio, has graciously allowed me to use some of the photos from her blog as, prior to the Sew Along beginning, she sewed up a few 'samples' to show everyone how different looks can be produced by using the same pattern. 

Source: Frances Lee Studio - used with permission

Firstly there is the summer dress in which she changed the gathers on the pattern to a pleat. This was fabric she used from her stash.

Source: Frances Lee Studio - used with permission

Secondly we have the pop-over pinny made from two men's denim shirts from the Op Shop with a pleat on the front and back in place of the gathers. The lower band is pieced together from scraps taken from the shirts.

Source: Frances Lee Studio - used with permission

 Then there are the PJs made from the back of a quilt cover from the Op Shop...

...with the yoke pieced together from scraps of vintage linens. How beautiful is that!

Source: Frances Lee Studio - used with permission

Last but not least here is the 'model of the year' in the winter version of the dress worn over jeans and a long sleeved top. It can also be worn in summer as a sleeveless dress.

Now I am sure all readers would agree with me that Frances is a very creative person. If anyone is interested in sewing any of these garments using New Look Pattern 6871 she has step by step instructions on her blog Frances Lee Studio and I am sure she could get a job with Simplicity any time as her instructions are clearer than those in the pattern with photos of each step as well.

Many thanks to Fran for allowing me to use her photos. She is a real scream as you can tell from her blog so check it out as she also has some more tutorials there including a Handmade Book Tutorial. She is multi talented and, would you believe it,  has also made her own jeans!!! I hope we can keep in touch after Rhonda closes the forum on March 16th.

A big welcome to the new readers I have (you know who you are) LOL! To find the Topics just scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will find them there. I have spoken to a couple of people today and they are interested in posts on sourdough so just click on the link and the posts will come up. There is also a 'Search this Blog' box on the sidebar if you scroll down and that should work as well.

I will keep those who are interested in the progress of the Dragonfruit in the loop and will take a photo when/if the fruit appears. Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!