Sewing Japanese

I finally used a pattern in a Japanese book!

I used this pattern from Cotton Time Magazine:

I thought it was a tunic, but it was more a dress length, so I shortened it, and moved the pocket upwards. 

 

It’s a one size pattern, though I’m sure somewhere in the text is the explanation of how to alter the sizes. I also added some width to the side seams from the waist down (originally its a straight shape), and two darts in the back.

Next time I may even remember to add ALL of the necessary seam allowances….

 

I love the colour combination though, apparently I’m not over my yellow phase yet! The main fabric is a light weight white and blue striped cotton, and the yellow is from a re purposed thrift store cotton curtain.

It works very well for all the extra hours spent outside recently, absorbing and enjoying the great weather.

More on the Japanese front, my latest visit to BOOK-OFF resulted in this book:

It’s all about using your serger, with the usual abundance of step by step photos, and cute tops like this one:

 

Oh, and did I mention the full sized pattern sheet, with not one but THREE sizes? definitely on my to do list!

This book also has some jackets, cardigans, and skirts, all designed for sergers, and some for cover stitch machines. The ISBN is 9784529044127.

Ciao for now…

Weekend

We had a such a great long weekend…

The weather was finally right for spending a day with some friends at the lake, and we visited both Harrison hot springs, and our last years favourite spot – White Pine beach on Sasamat lake. There were sand castles, water guns, soccer games and just plain old running in every direction.

I think the boys finally believe that summer is almost here, and even pessimistic me was persuaded to get everyone new sandals…

Oh, and my rain cloud made it to the front page of Etsy with this beautiful treasury by saltwaterkids –

isn’t it pretty? Check out her blog too, while you’re here…

Hope your weekend was a good one!

Sewing for Spring

I’m currently quite excited about making my own clothes. It’s funny because as little as one year ago, I would have told you that taking the time and the effort to sew something I can easily buy in the nearest mall is silly. But now, although I do enjoy shopping for clothes, I’m also fascinated about the process of taking a flat piece of fabric  and turning it into something that can be worn.

For every thing there is the right time I guess…

The thrifting gods seem to be playing along nicely. Last week I came back from an estate sale with a small pile of patterns. I chose an easy-to-sew peasant top: 

 

The pattern, in case you care for such details, is Simplicity 5620, which I believe is out of print by now. I used a light weight cotton shirting fabric, very warm weather friendly.

I think I’m heaving some personality issues, since I choose to make these loose fitting tops, only to decide later on that they are too loose on the back, followed by some cursing and spitting while trying to remedy the situation.

Anyway, after adjusting the back, I added the stem with leaves applique to personalize it a little.

Which in turn got me thinking about a new pillow design for the shop, and so this cushion cover was born.

Now I’m going to find more loose-but-not-too-loose patterns to play with….