Ugly Duckling?

I finished one of my Ottobre SWAP 2009 garments today, Viscose Jersey Crossover Top design #17 in the Autumn/Winter 5/2008 issue of Ottobre Woman (size 44). I really thought it looked absolutely awful as I laid it out on the table for a photo. I thought it had been a total waste of time and fabric making this top :-(. See what I mean?


I was dreading the look of it on me but amazingly I was absolutely thrilled! The fabric feels gorgeous, a lovely soft stretchy viscose jersey, and the top looks alright after all (just standing a little awkardly I think, tired back after sewing and trying to keep my arm away from the side seam detail) :-). I think it'll look great with this skirt.


The side pleat detail is my favourite part of the top, 3 little inverted pleats giving the front a little 3D interest. It's also nice to have two layers of jersey fabric across the tummy, a little more forgiving of curves!


Alterations:

The pattern is able to be made with or without a collar and stand. I made it without the collar because I find jersey collars look a little limper than I like a collar to be and other members who have made this top commented on not liking the collar style. I may have tried using a woven for the collar if I had a suitable piece but couldn't come up with one!

I used pale pink ribbing for the neckline binding rather than self-fabric. I thought the jersey was too stretchy to support itself as binding. It peeps out a little but I can live with it, I'll just have to try to be a galloping horse ;-).

Being of shortish stature, as usual I had to cut 1" off the sleeve edges and 2" off the top length before hemming.

There are some funny lines under my arm, when I lift my arms it looks a little like the sleeve opening is a little too big. Surely my chest is not big enough for a bust alteration! Any hints ideas would be welcome, but be kind ;-)!

Two More Plans and a Super New Deck

Oops, I missed two more very important sewing plans yesterday!

- I have promised to sew some summer hats and belts for Crafters4Charity summer stalls.

- and (as blogged before) the really big project, sewing my niece's formal dress :-)

I actually got on the sewing machine tonight after days of tracing and cutting fabric, woohoo, feels good, LOL ;-)

Some very exciting non-sewing news is that our new deck is finished, yay :-)!

Here's the before shot of our old wooden deck, worse for wear and falling apart

And our amazing new bigger deck (4.8 x 7.5 metres), now roofed so we can sit outside to watch storms and stay dry, with metal frame and balustrades (so it doesn't rot away in the weather!). We also requested a wide top railing (great for leaning on and putting drinks down on) and the solution reached was to screw a length of hardwood on top, it looks absolutely perfect :-).

Great space for summer BBQs and family gatherings (and teenage parties with almost the same space available under the deck)

Hardwood plank steps, wide and gentle, perfect for easy access for all ages. I was very particular about the step design and love how they feel to use.

My favourite spot at home :-)

DH and I love to curl up here to relax and catch up with eachother

Sewing Plans

I have lots of sewing plans, I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it all in!

I'm participating in a Sewing With a Plan activity with my Ottobre-English group. Here are the first and second completed steps, choosing designs and fabrics.


What else...
- I have a big bag full of penne crushed velvet to make capes for the school's Spring Fair in November.
- I have 3 more Rail Fence blocks to make in August/Sept for a swap with my Quilting For All group.
- I have Pay It Forward gifts to create for two lovely on-line friends, by March 2010, already moving along.
- My 3 kids need new pants to keep them warm this winter (hopefully before spring arrives!). I've traced one pattern for each of them and have the right fabric to make at least one each. J prefers track pants, O prefers canvas pants and E prefers jeans, variety the spice of life :-).
- the dogs still need more bedding.

Now if only work didn't get in the way I'd be set ;-)!