OCTOBER IS ALMOST OVER....

For the last week I have been experimenting with cotton jersey fabric. It's been hit and miss.

Books, tutorials and Google  have all been helpful but I just hanen't been able to get it right. I don't own a balll point needle. Do you need one? Some say yes, some say no. What about the overlocker?? Again some say "the only way to go" others say "no."

The biggest hurdle for me was why is my fabric puckering? 

Wrong side against the grain

Right side against the grain

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Eventually I had a light bulb moment when I realised that you have to sew WITH the GRAIN, rather than against it. Sounds stupid I know but do you know hard it is to find the grain in a knit fabric???.

The wrong side sewing with the grain

The right side sewing with the grain.

Finished

Anyway, by this stage I was very low on fabric but I had to make one skirt. In the end it all came together.

Overlocking works too but whilst it is much quicker than a straight stretch stitch I dislike the bulk that it adds to the seams.

Overall I am happy with the finished skirt. I love this fabric. I like the shape of the skirt and it is so comfortable and easy to wear, just like your favorite T-shirt. I admit though that this fabric is both a learning experience and a challenge.

Will I persevere to make fiends with this wonderful fibre, make another skirt and so much more?

 Absolutely!

LIFE IN THE COLOUR I LOVE

GREEN is my favorite color, it's everywhere, there are so many different shades and I love them all.

Green is the color of peace but you can be"green with envy"it can mean raw, unripe, fresh, verdant or immature. The word green is very useful and the color is fresh, vibrant and soothing. This is a collage of some of the green to be seen  around my home.


I have been admiiring this Robert Kauffman fabric for awhile, it's quirky and fun and best of all it's green. I also love this Sew Serendipity Emmaline pattern.  I've made it several times, it's basically  no fail, the fit is good and it's easy.



My model is Audrey and my family bought her, for me, for my recent birthday. The perfect gift.

You will see much more of Audrey modelling my creations.

 These gorgeous bags aren't made by me. The tote and the clutch are made by my talented seamstress friend Sharron and the third was a gift from my friend Valerie. Note all three are green - these ladies know me well!

  

HIPPIES and WIDE LEG PANTS

HIPPEASTRUMS are one of my favorite Spring flowers, closely followed by this beautiful Orchid.

Hippies and Orchids are just like my  friends, beautiful, happy, low maintenance and always there year after year.


It has been school holidays and I have been fortunate enough to spend the time with my wonderful children, I had lots of plans but didn't get much done. I have spent my time doing some baking, tidying up some end sewing, reading and generally chilling out.



I did manage to make 2 pairs of wide leg pants. Again I morphed a pattern with a pair of wide leg pants that I already have. On it's own the pattern just wasn't quite right, too high in the waist and not wide enough in the leg. once married to the pants it  seemed to come together.



Simple stuff, straight seems, loose elastic waist and even looser drawstring waist on the striped pants. I used a striped linen and a super fine cotton, both are beautiful fabrics to work with and to wear,  cool and easy for summer.