Wednesday 1 March 2017

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!


23 comments:

  1. Wow! Fran is a whiz and so are you Chel. Will go and have a look at that blog.

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    1. Barb, Fran is indeed a very good seamstress and her instructions are much clearer than the pattern.

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  2. How neat. I love all the styles.

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    1. There are so many variations, aren't there Chrissy. I would never have thought of them myself.

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  3. I really like the patchwork of vintage linens - clever much.

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    1. Yes Mr.HM, I wonder if your girls would be interested in making up this pattern.

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  4. Wow, you did a great job, the pj's look lovely, makes me want to get sewing! I love the vintage linens for the yolk on Frances' pj's too!

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    1. Dig out the sewing machine and get sewing, Karen. It was a lot of fun.

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  5. Lovely sewing Chel. I'm sure you will enjoy wearing them. They look light and comfortable. Nice lace addition too.

    Thank you for showcasing what Fran can do. I love seeing people's creativity. I'll visit her blog. :)

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    1. Chris I am sure you will enjoy her blog. She is quite a character.

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous, ladies! Beautiful sewing and what a great tutorial that was :)

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    1. Sherri, I was amazed at all the work Fran out into the tutorial. It was much appreciated by everyone I am sure.

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  7. WOW! How clever you both are! I would love to make up the Winter version of that pattern, I think. I like it when there are clear instructions and photos because that helps me a lot! I have allocated myself a little bit of money in our budget this year to buy a pattern or two and this looks really versatile so I am going to get it and have a try at sewing it up. Thanks! Meg:)

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    1. Meg, give it a go as it is an easy pattern. I am sure Simplicity are wondering why so many people are buying that pattern. Ha ha!

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  8. Those pjs are cute and I do love all of Frans looks. She is adorable!

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  9. Fran is a sweetie and so multi talented. I hope she does some more Sew Alongs in the future.

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  10. What a great write up Chel. I almost feel like doing the Sew Along myself! Thank you for your lovely words and for choosing the most flattering photos *wink, wink*. I love your pink jamas in that gorgeous fabric. I'd like to make some shortie PJ's too but with 3/4 pants as my legs are like lampposts. I'm a new follower too now. Lol.

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    1. Fran, I think you will have to do more Sew Alongs. They are very popular. I am sure your legs aren't like lampposts. LOL!

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  11. Love the blog Chel and the superstar modelling from francis. The pink fabric is lovely and the shift looks very comfortable and cool.

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    1. Thanks Sharsmaree. Frances is a great model I must say. I am hoping the PJs are comfortable as I haven't worn them as yet.

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  12. Now I have to replace the last pair with a new pair. Between you and Fran I am Inspired!!! Love the pink pj's they look cute and comfy!

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    1. There you go Kathy. If you start sewing now you will have them ready for summer although it doesn't take long to make up this pattern if you have somewhere to leave your work. I had to pack mine up every time I finished sewing.

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  13. I need to make some new pyjamas and this pattern looks perfect. I'll definitely sew some when we return from Perth.

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