That hand-knitted jumper is finished

Just wanted to say a big thank-you to those who left comments when I asked for advice on the best style for my hand-knit jumper (A knitwear design experiment). I finished it a couple of weeks ago and am loving it. Continue reading “That hand-knitted jumper is finished”

Butterick 5988 Revisited

Floral Top

Last year I made a rayon top using Butterick 5988. I loved the design as it is a nice alternative to a fitted woven T. The waist darts release into a box pleat which gives a slight peplum look. It was a very wearable muslin, but I had taken the side seams in quite a lot during fitting but the shoulders still felt very big.

Butterick 5988 Print Top (view B with view A length)

Continue reading “Butterick 5988 Revisited”

A striped linen shirt

I’ve had this project on my wishlist for a while now.  You may have noticed a drawing on this shirt in my “Now Sewing” section of the side bar for some time (since December at least).  Sometimes you can’t rush a project, but with the cooler weather approaching, I finally got around to making it. Continue reading “A striped linen shirt”

How many ways can you draft a sleeve?

How many ways can can you a sleeve?  Over the last month, I’ve been diving into different drafting methods and was surprised at how many different ways it can be done.

I wanted to make a close-fitting denim shirt, like in the tech drawing above.  Shoulder yoke, front princess seams, shirt-tail hem, and long sleeves with placket and cuffs.  The fabric is a lovely tencel chambray with printed dots.  Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve done some more fitting with the armscye of my fitted blouse block that I used for the yellow shirt.  I’ve used that block to draft this pattern. Continue reading “How many ways can you draft a sleeve?”

Yellow Shirt – Drafted from scratch

A short sleeved fitted shirt with collar and stand.  Not overly remarkable in itself, but did I mention that I hand-drafted it, from my measurements?

Yay, I finally got the bodice block drafted and fitted. Like the pants block, this one also turned out to be a bit of an epic. Continue reading “Yellow Shirt – Drafted from scratch”

Last post of 2018

Despite the heat, the last couple of days has been quite productive with two bra/pantie sets and a strapless bra.  My favourite would have to be the set made from a knit top that I rarely wear.  It’s remake is quite stunning.

side view

Continue reading “Last post of 2018”

Simple sewing : Two knit Tees

Time for some easy sewing projects. This time it is two t-shirts. The first is from my self-drafted relaxed fit t-shirt pattern. The second is a variation on a boat-neck t-shirt from Knipmode.

Before I go any further, I’d like to say a big thank-you to those of you who voted or commented on the design for my knitting project.  The result was overwhelmingly for the V-neck with a short length.  I’ve started the armhole shaping on the back.  With a bit of luck I’ll have a finished jumper to show in the autumn. (I’m a very slow knitter). Continue reading “Simple sewing : Two knit Tees”

DIY kayak spray skirt and half deck

In theory, this should be an easy project.  A couple of seams, seam-sealed, elastic tunnel on the edges… project done.  Too minor snags – no pattern and I don’t have access to the kayak I’m making it for.  Plus as they weren’t for me, extra pressure to get it right. Continue reading “DIY kayak spray skirt and half deck”