PR&P15 |From outta space|

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Ora bem! Não estava nada inspirada para esta semana. Tinha uma ideia inicialmente mas faltou-me a motivação para a levar adiante. Estava mesmo prestes a desistir de acompanhar o desafio desta semana, mas acabei por encontrar este tecido às riscas cinzentas e prateadas enquanto remexia nos meus tecidos, e achei-o apropriado para o tema, o prateado faz-me lembrar cenas do espaço e tal... 

Alright! I wasn't really inspired by this week's theme. I had an idea at first but no motivation to do it. I was actually ready to give up at all sewing along this week, but somehow, as I was going through my fabric stash, I came across this silver and grey striped fabric which I thought was appropriate, and silver reminds me of spacy stuff anyway... 

O tecido foi-me oferecido mais uma vez, desta vez pela minha amiga Patrícia, podem encontrá-los na loja Maçãs d'Amor.Este retalho foi o que me sobrou de uma camisola que fiz para mim no ano passado - agora por isso, nunca cheguei a publicá-la por aqui. Há uma foto no meu IG. Enfim... come já não era muito, não tive outra opção senão fazer dele o melhor possível e usar a imaginação. Usei o molde Hazel Blouse da Petite Stitchery & Co. Usei-o aqui também. 

The fabric was a gift again, this time from my friend Patrícia, you can get it over Maçãs d'Amor. This scrap I had was actually the leftovers from another shirt I made myself last year - which reminds me I haven't post about it yet. There's a photo on IG though. Anyway... because I didn't have a lot anymore I had no choice but work it the best I could and get creative. I used the Hazel Blouse pattern by Petite Stitchery & Co. I have used this pattern before, in here. 

Usei a opção da manga curta porque não tinha tecido suficiente para fazer as mangas em balão maravilhosas novamente. Para cortar a parte da saia da túnica aproveitei ao máximo o que sobrou depois de ter cortado todas as outras peças da parte de cima, assim que não segui as medidas das instruções. Também mudei o comprimento da banda das mangas, em vez de 5cm, eu cortei 12,5 cm. Costurei tudo esta manhã enquanto fazia o almoço e corria atrás do meu mais novo. Fiz um tamanho 6. 

I did the short sleeve option because I didn't have enough fabric to make those beautiful bubble sleeves again. Also, used as much as I could from what I got left after cutting all the top pieces to cut the skirt. I didn't follow instructions on cutting for this. I also changed the lenght of the sleeve band, in this case, I made it larger, instead of cutting 2" I cut it 5". I sewed it up this morning between making lunch and running after my youngest. I made a size 6. 

Depois de terminar o top olhei em volta, para algumas peças que tinha penduradas no meu espaço. Lá estava este Phresh Blazer de xadrez verde (molde da Winter Wears Designs, que já usei muitas vezes antes, aqui podem ver mais quatro. E esta semana acabei mais um!). Estava quase terminado havia semanas, só tinha alguns detalhes por fazer como terminar as mangas, fazer a casa para o botão, coser o mesmo e acabar de colocar a fita de viés na bainha. Por ser verde relacionei-o aos homenzinhos verdes (extraterrestres). 

After finishing the top I stared at the other pieces I had hanging in my craftroom. There was this green plaid Phresh Blazer (pattern by Winter Wears Designs, which I have used many times before - here's four more for you to see. I also finished another this past week!). It was nearly finished for weeks, I only had to do the sleeves, buttonhole and button and finish the bias binding on the hem. Because it was green, I related it to the little green fellas (alliens). 

O blazer tem várias opções e desta vez as que escolhi foram os folhos atrás que reciclei deste projecto, os bolsos embutidos com abas, e as mangas compridas e franzidas. Na verdade cortei o comprimento 3/4 porque não tinha tecido suficiente para cortar as compridas, mas depois cortei mais umas peças ao contrário do fio do tecido para criar um padrão contrastante e alongar as mangas. Oh, o tecido? Comprei-o no Pagapouco local há muitos anos. Já estava na hora de o tirar do armário. O tamanho escolhido foi o 8, porque o meu tecido não tem elasticidade como o molde pede, ainda lhe fica um pouco larguinho, mas já se sabe, assim dura mais tempo. 

The blazer has several options and this time I did the ruffles on the back, I actually recycled them from this project here, the inseam pockets with a welt and the long gathered sleeves. I actually cut the 3/4 sleeves option because, you know, I am trying to destash by fabrics and using what I have. I didn't have enough to cut the long sleeves, so I then cut another piece cut on the bias for contrasting print to add to the sleeve lenght. Oh, that fabric? Bought in a local shop many years ago. It was about time to get it out. I made a size 8 because my fabric didn't have any stretch as the pattern called for, it is still a bit too big for her but that's fine, it'll last longer. 

E para terminar, os calções - não sei como os relacionar com o tema, mas completam o meu look. ahahah Lembram-se de ter dito logo na primeira semana que os tinha cortados e meio começados em cima da mesa?! Pois bem, aqui estão. Acabei-os logo nos dias seguintes à publicação, e logo na primeira vez que a miúda os usou o fecho partiu. Era velho, tinha-o reciclado de alguma outra peça que desfiz anteriormente e não confirmei como costumo fazer se ainda estava bom. Fiquei tão fula comigo mesma, é que eu e fechos não somos os melhores amigos, e apesar de conseguir trocá-los e deixar tudo bonitinho na mesma,  o-d-e-i-o  ter de o fazer. Por acaso, arranjei-o ontem, mesmo a tempo para as fotos de hoje. 

And to finish, there's the shorts - I don't know how to relate them to the theme, but they would finish up my look. ahahah Remember how I said back in week one that I had the shorts cut and half started on my sewing table?! Well, here they are. I finished them just a few days after my post, and the very first time my daughter wore them the zipper broke. It was old, I reused it from some piece I refashioned in the past and although I usually test it before actually sewing it to a new garment, I haven't this time. I was so mad about it, just because zippers and I aren't friends, and although I can beautifully change a zipper, I  h-a-t-e  to do so. I fixed it yesterday, just in time to have it ready for today's photos.

O tecido é uma bombazine não muito grossa nem fina que comprei numa loja local há algum tempo, directamente do cesto dos retalhos, por isso mais uma vez não era muito. Era o suficiente para este projecto. Usei o molde 601 Calções de Menina da Burda Kids 1/2010 (da Espanha). Os calções têm um fecho com guarnição à frente, uma mola em vez de um botão porque a miúda ainda se debate com os mesmos, bolsos de encaixe na anca, cintura com elástico ajustável, pregas na frente, dobras na bainhas, pinças atrás e bolsos debruados com paletas. 

This is a medium light corduroy I bought locally, a long while ago, and I got it from the scraps bin, so not much once again. It was enough for this project though. I used the pattern 601 Girl's Shorts from Burda Kids 1/2010 (from Spain). The shorts feature a functional zipper fly, a snap instead of a button because my girl still struggles with them, side pockets, adjustable elastic waist, front pleats, folded hem, back darts and welt pockets with flaps. 

O tecido do forro que usei nos bolsos e na cintura, era apenas um pequeno retalho que recebi juntos com aquele lote imenso que uma leitora aqui do blog me enviou e do qual falo frequentemente. Ainda tenho muita coisa do mesmo por usar, apesar de ir usando em quase todas as peças que tenho vindo a fazer desde então. Era pedacinho era tão pequeno que tive que andar a remendar para conseguir a peça da cintura. 

The lining fabric I used in the pockets and waistband, was just a small scrap I got in that bundle a reader sent me a while ago, it came with so many pieces of fabric, I still have a lot although I've been using them in almost every project I made ever since I got them. This scrap was so small I had to patch it to get enough lenght for the waistband piece. 

Phresh Blazer #4

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No último post mencionei o blazer que a G. vestiu para as fotos das calças. Já é tempo de vos falar um pouco mais sobre ele. Foi feito em Agosto, mas nestes últimos meses, houve muita coisa que ficou por mostrar, porque para além de ter costurado menos, a vontade de fotografar, editar, escrever sobre as peças era menos ainda. Usei, pela quarta vez o molde Phresh Blazer da Winter Wear Designs. É o terceiro que faço para a G. e para não variar, foi feito a partir de material reciclado. 

In my last post I mentioned the blazer G. was wearing in the photoshoot. It is about time to tell you about it. It was made in August, but there has been a lot made in the latest months that wasn't posted at all, because not only have I sewing less, the feeling of taking the photos, editing and posting was missing too. I used, for the fourth time the Phresh Blazer pattern by Winter Wear Designs. This is the third I made for G. and, obviously, it was refashioned. 

A peça original eram umas calças de senhora que eu até gostava bastante, mas eram brancas e eu raramente visto branco em t-shirts, quanto mais em calças. Eu tenho filhos pequenos e mais não é preciso dizer, certo?! Adoro este molde e não me canso de dizer que é daqueles para repetir e ter sempre à mão. Desta vez, usei a opção sem folhos atrás, sem bolsos e manga comprida/normal. Alterei um pouco a manga para que ficasse mais apertada, pois acho a original muito larga para o meu gosto. 

The original piece was a pair of women's pants that I actually liked a lot, but they were white, and I barely wear a white t-shirt, what to say about a pair of pants. I have small children and that tells pretty much all, right? I love this pattern, you already know that, this is one to use over again and a go to pattern. This time, I used the back ruffles free version, no pockets and the normal long sleeve. I adjusted it though, narrowing it a bit since I believe the original is too wide for my taste. 

Adoro ver como esta peça lhe dá um ar de mulherzinha. E uma coisa que me tenho vindo a aperceber, é que adorooooooo fazer casacos e afins. Poderão parecer mais intimadores à partida, mas são muito divertidos e gratificantes de fazer. Já para não falar do facto de geralmente serem das peças mais caras no pronto a vestir, e no feito à mão, não se notar uma diferença tão grande de outros peças diferentes. 

I just love to see how lady like she looks with this on. And one thing I've been noticing latelt, is that I loveeeeee making outter wear and so. They might seem harder at first sight, but they're fun and gratifying to make. Not to mention the fact that they are usually so much more expansive than other pieces in the RTW clothes, but not that much in the handmade items. 

Jocole October Blog Tour |Girls Wideleg Pants|

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Bem vos disse que Outubro ia ser mais movimentado que os últimos meses, senão vejam, hoje é a terceira publicação em dias consecutivos. Hoje, faço parte da pattern tour de Outono da Jocole, e como sempre adorei calças largas, aproveitei e usei o molde Girl'sWideleg Pants para fazer umas para a minha filhota. 

I told you October would see me more often around here, didn't I? This is my third post in a row in the last three days. Today, I am part of Jocole's Fall Tour, and since I've always loved wideleg pants, I used their Girl's Wideleg Pants pattern to make my daughter a new ones. 

Usei um xadrez vermelho e preto que tinha há muito tempo e que me sobrou depois de fazer a saia quando estava grávida (criei uma peça matchy matchy sem querer). O tecido não é nem fino nem grosso, simplesmente perfeito para esta estação, e adoro ver como as calças lhe ficam. Gosto do corte simples, largo, claro. O molde traz duas opções de bolsos, um na costura e o outro é em aplicação, ambos na frente, mas eu saltei qualquer um deles. Estas calças foram uma daquelas coisas que se costuram num instante e que é sempre gratificante. Neste caso, foram apenas 3 peças a cortar: frente, trás e cintura. O único que precisou de mais atenção foi o padrão do tecido que pedia o cuidado de fazer coincidir o xadrez, e até isso correu lindamente. A cintura foi feita com tecido que aproveitei de um casaco de homem e é malha canelada fina. 

I used a black and red plaid fabric from my stash. I still had a little left from the skirt I made while pregnant (and now I have a matchy matchy piece even though I didn't aim for it when I started). 

This is a midweight fabric, perfect for fall, and I love the look of the pants on G. I like the design, the wide legs, of course. The pattern also comes with two pocket options: inseams and patch front pocket, but I skipped both options. This is one of those quick and gratifying project that you can make in a blink. In this case I had 3 pattern pieces only to cut: front, back and waist band. The only thing that needed me to pay attention was matching the fabric pattern and even that went smoothly. I used leftovers from a man's hoodie to make the waist band, and it is a thin rib knit. 

Tirámos as nossas fotos num parque e ela tratou de colocar o conforto das calças a teste, e estas passaram com distinção. Super confortáveis mesmo para miúdas irrequietas e trepadoras. O que quer dizer que de certeza que veremos mais destas por aqui a qualquer momento. Mas fotos em parques não é tarefa fácil, 

We took our photos at a park, and she has put theird comfort to good test, but it passed easily. They are super comfy, even for unstopable and climbing little girls. Which means we will, definately, see more of these at any time over here. Taking photos on a park isn't an easy task though. 

Reconheceram o molde do blazer? No início da próxima semana falo-vos sobre ele. 

Did you recognize the blazer pattern? Beginning next week I will tell you about it. 

Caso queiram este molde também, está com 25% de desconto até dia 26 de Outubro. Usem o código "FallBlogTour". 

If you'd like to get the patterns for yourself, they are 25% off with the code "FallBlogTour" through the 26th of October. 

Refashion Month - when the hostess fails

Eu quero fazer sempre pelo menos 4 transformações para a série Refashion Month. No entanto, esta semana falhei. Tem sido muita coisa a acontecer. No passado domingo, tivemos a festa de aniversário dos meus filhos e depois disso o bebé ficou doente. Não tem sido fácil de fazer muito, e ainda menos com ele assim, cheio de febre e chorão. Mas, como falhei a transformação desta semana, decidi partilhar algo que tinha feito e prometido publicar há uns meses atrás, mas que ainda não tinha feito. É a primeira versão teste do molde Phresh Blazer da Winter Wear Designs. 

I always want to make at least 4 refashions of my own for the Refashion Month Series. I failed to do it this week though. There's just too much going on. Last Sunday was my kids birthday party and then the baby got sick, after. It hasn't been easy to do much, even less with him like this, fever and crying.

But, since I failed to make a refashion this week, I'm bringing you a refashion from the past. It is something I said I would be blogging about (soon) a few months ago, but haven't yet. It is the first test version I made of the Presh Blazer pattern by Winter Wear Designs.

Comprei este vestido, não tão giro, mas feito à mão, e com um padrão bem interessante na mesma loja social onde costumo ir. O vestido original estava muito bem feito, mas a sua forma, bem, eu simplesmente sabia que tinha de o transformar em algo completamente diferente. Quando comecei o teste ao molde, não tinha um tecido que tivesse a elasticidade adequada ao molde, por isso, obviamente virei-me para a pilha de roupa por transformar, para ver o que se arranjava, e surpresa das surpresas, a única coisa que me enchia as medidas era este vestido. Fiquei feliz. O padrão era perfeito para um blazer. Assim que usando o molde, cortei as peças do tecido do vestido, e montei-as. 

I bought this not so pretty handmade dress, with a very interesting patterned fabric at my usual charity shop. The original dress was pretty well made, but it's shape, well, I just new I had to turn it into something new. When I started the pattern test, I didn't have any fabric that had just the right amount of stretch to make the blazer, so, obviously I turned into my refashion clothes pile, to see what I could find in there, and surprise, surprise: this was the only thing that matched my needs at the moment. I was happy, I thought the fabric print was perfect for the blazer. And so, I cut the pattern pieces into the dress, and sewn it all together.

Para os folhos atrás, não tinha tecido suficiente, e ai é quando nos tornamos criativas - é uma das minhas coisas preferidas quando toca a transformações, já que somos obrigadas a sê-lo, arranjando soluções e recursos para este (im)previsíveis. Fui ver nos meus retalhos e encontrei restos de uma camisola que tinha de há muitos anos atrás. O melhor, é que esta camisola tinha um folho na base que dava perfeitamente para fazer os 3 mais pequenos no blazer. Bingo!

For the back ruffles, I didn't have enough fabric to make them, and there's when you get creative - it's one of my favorite things about refashioning, it makes you more creative, you have to come up with solutions and resources for this (un)expected problems. I searched into my scraps bin, and I found leftovers from a lace shirt I had many years ago. The greatest thing, was that this shirt had a buttom ruffle, long enough to make three smaller rufflers for the blazer. Bingo for me!

Infelizmente, este tamanho ficou pequeno à minha princesa. E ela apenas o vestiu para a prova e para a foto acima. Ainda tentei aumentar as cavas, mas ainda assim, fica-lhe pequeno. Para a 2ª versão já optei por fazer maior e ficou perfeito (esse também já foi feito com o molde final, e corrigido). 

Unfortunately this size didn't fit my princess. She only wore it to check fit and for the photo above. I tried to fix the armholes, but, it was still too small for her. For the second version, I made it bigger and it was perfect (that second one was also made with the final pattern). 

Fiz uma terceira versão. Podem ver aqui. E para lerem mais sobre a minha opinião a respeito do molde, vejam a minha critica aqui. 

I made a third version, you can check it here. To read my thought on the pattern, you can read my review in here. 

From a Box * Rebel and Malice * In a Manner of Sewing * Miss Castelinhos * Threading My Way *Fairies, Bubbles and Co. * Mabey She Made it * Conversas de Hermanas * Lulu and Celeste * Made by Sara * La Folie * Climbing the Willow * HattieLu Handmade * Swoodson Says * Knot so Normal* Friends Stitched Together * Just Another Project * Sew Thrifty

Kids Clothes Week |day 6|

excuse the wrinkles, please!  

I am so excited today!!! It's day 6 and I have been following the challenge just like I should. The only thing different I've been doing is that I have been sewing for more than one hour most of the days, but that's okay, I guess. One more day to go, but before that, I am also excited because I have finished my third Phresh Blazer and I keep falling further in love with it everytime I make a new one. I am not someone who sews the same pattern over and over, and if I do, it means I really love that pattern. It has happened a few times in the past*, other than that I guess I haven't done more than 2 of others I own. It doesn't mean I don't like the others, it just means those are my top choices. Anyway, I guess you got it, right?! I see a future full of these sweet little blazers since I believe I need to sew one of these for every little girl around me. And there are a few, that's for sure! 

This latest one was made for my daughter's best friend, as I told you yesterday. Mariana is turning 4 tomorrow and she's such a beautiful and sweet little girl. Not to mention how smart she is too, so I am pretty happy that these two are friends. Mariana (this is actually the name we had picked in case S. was a girl), reminds me of the 1900's ladies, she's got a pale skin and very dark (black) hair. She looks sweet, delicate and fragile and that's just beautiful. I wanted to make her a blazer that would match that image and the Phresh Blazer couldn't be more perfect for that. 

I cut the pieces for the blazer, out of a women's suit jacket. For the facings I used left overs from the skirt I cut to make my daughter a Mara Blouse (last project in this KCW edition, I hope), and I used self made bias tape to finish seams. For the back ruffles I used a vintage lace I was offered a long time ago. I love it, it's one of those things you don't want to use because it's so beautiful, but since I decided to destash the trims too, I have to use whatever I think will look better in every project and this was just the right decision. 

This time I did the 3/4 gathered sleeves option, just like I did in that first one I haven't blogged about yet. I skipped the pockets this time but sure included the ruffles. Since I used lace for the ruffles and I had enough left, I thought it'd be a good idea to add it to the sleeves too. I just turned 1/4", and then the same again and pinned the lace on the wrong side, sewed them together and voilá, it was just what I had pictured in my mind. The button is one of my personal favourites too, I took it out of some old clothes before I sent them to the garbage bin. When I finished, I tried it on my daughter just to have an idea of how it'd look like, but of course it was too big for her, although she's only nearly 5 months younger than Mariana, her friend is much taller than her and I made it a size 5, I rather make it too big than too small. Now, I just hope she'll love it as much as I did. G. is really happy that I made it for her friend, my daughter's always so proud of her mommy, and she actually tells me that often. How cute?!

* patterns I use the most (and nope! nobody is paying me to mention them): the Bumblebee Dress and Top; Small Fry Skinny Jeans; The Rowan Tee; Billy Bright Eyes Snappy Tee Shirt and the (free) Izzy Top. 

Kids Clothes Week |day 5|

After posting yesterday (late, very late at night) I decided it was a good thing to take clothes out of the closet where I keep my to be refashioned clothes to search for the perfect thing to use as a new Phresh Blazer. It took me a while and I have made a huge mess out of my sewing space, but at least I found it. It was a suit so I had plenty of fabric for the whole thing, it had sleeves, it was just slightly stretch and a very good quality fabric. I worked more than one hour on this today, but I can't precise how long exactly because I did it in parts. I know I cut the pattern pieces from one single part of the suit so I spent a little trying to figure out how to best cut it, then after lunch I had the back of the blazer ready and by noon, all that there's left to do is attaching second sleeve and add bias to the hems. Tomorrow, my daughter's friend will have a brand new blazer done. *big smile on my face* I didn't even touch the Mara blouse today, I was too excited about the blazer to be honest. 

Girls BundleUp Tour

I am one of the latest bloggers joining the BundleUp tour, so, I guess by now, you've already seen all the patterns in the bundle and have probably get yours too. If not, or if you don't even know what I'm talking about, let me tell you. This is a bundle sell of 11 patterns at a fraction of the cost, in this case especially designed for girls. The more patterns you buy, the more you save. 

Today I get to tell you about three patterns included in this bundle. I was a (happy) tester for two of them, and I did get the third one for free for this tour, but all opinions are my own.

Phresh Blazer by Winter Wear Designs
Let me start with the first one I tested, and let me tell you, one of my favourite patterns ever!!! It was so hard to keep it secret after I did my first (test). I have discovered, as I was putting clothes up in her closet, that I love to sew outerwear for my girl. So it's no surprise that I love this pattern so much. This is the cutest little girls blazer, sizes 1-14, and there are many options to make it your style. It is fitted, long or 3/4 sleeves, gathered or straight sleeve, with or without ruffles on the back (the most adorable feature I know, I skipped them for this one but have done them in the first blazer - which I will be blogging about soon). With or without welt flap pockets. Pattern recommends fabric with some stretch, but you can really use any fabric, just size it up one number. The first blazer I made was a 2T, but it turned out too tight on my little miss because she - apparently - grew in a few weeks since I had measured her. For this one, because I was using a not so stretchy faux leather, I went with size 4 and it's great. I did the straight, 3/4 sleeves option here, and I added the pockets too. The colour blocking on this one is my own, I refashioned leftovers from a coat and it wasn't enough so I had to grab another coat to finish, which was already cut, but it was a different colour though. I didn't have enough of any of these two to make the sleeves one colour only, so I had to get creative and added a band to each sleeve, and prayed that it would work. For the facings I used the same fabric I used for the pants, and I used a black homemade satin bias tape. Because the faux leather doesn't fray, I didn't bother to finish my edges. Little miss loved it too. When I was laying down the clothes for her to put them on, she realised there were two new mommy mades so she asked me "Are we taking pictures, mom?". I couldn't help but smile. 

Freestyle Harem Pants by EYMM
After testing the blazer, the chance to test the pants came along. As soon as I read "harem" pants, I jumped at the oportunity and was so glad I was picked. It was a pattern that I was really missing in my stash. I love the harem pants look, either on my kids or myself, and the only pattern of the same style I had didn't go many sizes up. This one goes from NB to 18T and includes a 18" doll size too. How great is that to get your daughter and doll matching?! And if you are petite as I am, you can even make a pair for yourself too. Actually, I got the bug of making either this or the blazer (or even both) for myself. Who knows?! Anyway, there are 3 lenght options for this: pant, capri or short. You can also do a regular hem, add elastic or use a cuff. There are pleats on the front. The waist band has two options too, one straight or curved on front. Two rows of elastic on the back (in my size, other sizes might have more). I opted for the pant lenght, elastic hem and curved waistband, which is something I love. I didn't use interfacing in this one but I might next time. This is a size 3T and the fit is spot on. I used a vintage satin from my stash. It was there for years and it was given to me by my MIL. I wasn't sure about this fabric print ever since, but because of the drape I tried it on. I wasn't sure at first, but I guess I've learnt to like it. Honest opinions, please?!
Ps - if you'd like to get a version with pockets, click here for a tutorial. 

For the photoshoot we used her new boots which she loved, and we styled the outfit with a rtw shirt, a handmade beret my mom made her (I have a matching one =D), and a scarf I made her, out of leftovers from a previous refashion. It was actually made a long time ago, but I have never blogged about it.

"Adeline" Knit Ruffled Cardigan, Top and Dress by Foo Foo Threads 
I've said this many times before, I know, but I am saying it again. I am not a very ruffly person. I like them here and there, but most of the times I avoid ruffles. When I first saw the "Adeline" pattern though, I was sure I wanted to sew this up, because I saw the potential beyond the ruffles. Hence, my non-ruffled-at-all version of this pattern. The "Adeline" comes with multiple options, and you can make a cardigan (hello!), a drop waist dress or a top with it, with an adorable peter pan collar. As for the sleeves, you can make them gathered, long (with or without ruffles) or short, and even sleeveless. It ranges from size 0-3M to 10Y. It is meant for knit fabrics and the bodice is lined.

For my own, I choose to make a cardigan and I skipped the lining in this one because it was already a sort of heavy knit. It is a refashioned piece too, of course. I used a woman's sized shirt to make it. For the collar, I also used a little piece I had left from another recent refashion for the boy. When asked what she liked best, contrasting collar, or the same fabric, my daughter picked the contrasting, so grey up it is. I used bias tape made out of the same fabric to finish the front pieces and also the collar inside. I opted to add only one button on top to close it instead of a full row of them. I like it this way.

Little miss wasn't so much in the mood for a photoshoot this time. Dad and I both tried to take some nicer shoots but even ourselves, we weren't feeling very inspired. Perhaps because the weather is changing again and a very cold wind was coming. This time we used a rtw shirt and handmade shorts, a refashion from 2013 (and yes, they still fit all along).

It was a pleasure for me to follow up and be part of this tour. Here's a list of everyone who has been blogging about the patterns in the bundleUp. Believe me there have been great things shown, you don't want to miss all the great work from this talented ladies. 

Oh Paris! |PR&P9#2|

PR&P's week two theme is "Spring Break"... We're suppoused to choose our dream vacation place and make an outfit inspired by that. Well, with all the rain from the latest days - after some wonderful sunny and warm ones - it doesn't feel like Spring at all. We're not going anywhere so soon though so any vacations, are just a way to dream for me for now. We are lucky to live by the sea. I actually can see it everyday through the window. Just a little bit of it, it's true, there are lots of building between our window and the sea, but I still can see it. So, no wonder, I dream about other kind of vacation, other than beach and paradise views. 

After thinking for a while, I chose Paris as my inspiration point. I would love to take my daughter there, visit the Euro Disney with her (I've never been to it either), but as much as we love Minnie Mouse and all the Disney princesses I'd love to go on a sight seeing tour through Paris... visit all those huge, imponent buildings... climb the top of the Eiffell tour again, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees... just get lost in the magic, l'amour... all that makes Paris... well, PARIS! I was about 8 when I visited it for the first time. I still remember how amazed I was with all of this.

And what is it that comes to my mind when I think of a Parisian look? Always the same things: black and white stripes, a black barret, and a pop of red. Really, I always imagine the famous "french paintor look" when I try to come with an imagine of Paris as an outfit. And that's exactly what I tried to include in the look I created this week.

Images Original Fonts : 1 - 2 - 3- 4 - 5 

I picked two pieces to refashion again. A pair of black pants I didn't want anymore (I have a lot of them actually and it was just another one occupying precious space in my wardrobe). And I thrifted a 1€ button shirt a couple of days ago, I bought it in the usual charity shop for this project. Here they are:

I started with the skinny jeans. I've been wanting to make a new pair for G. for quite a long time. I first did the free 2T Small Fry Skinny jeans for a friend's kid, then I got to test the same pattern in other sizes, I did two shorts versions, one for my niece and one for my nephew, but I never got around to sew a pair for my daughter. I did a 2T size for her, And really liked the changes Laura made to the pattern (from the free one to the final). I really believe that this is my favourite pair so far and let me tell you there will be more in the future for sure.

Although, the pattern comes with great instruction to sew a girl's fly on the jeans, I just went and did the boy's one, most strore bought pants don't make them different anyway, and this way, it can be passed on to her little brother once she grows out of it. I used the shirt's striped fabric for the coin pocket, waistband lining and front pocket bags. This is the same fabric I used on the top. By using red thread, I was able to feature the pop of red I wanted. But that wasn't all, I also hadnstitched an Eiffeel Tour in one of the back pockets.

Then I did the top. I picked the Izzy top pattern to make it just like I did last week for the Panda's inspired look. I tried to follow the pattern and instructions as they are (find them HERE), but of course I had to do something differently - as always. I was half way through it when I thought about adding a black peter pan collar. Then I thought about making it with leftovers of the faux leather from my own corset. And then I thought I could add some beaded pins... just to try it, it was something I haven't done before, so why not?! And I did it! And I loved it! It's not perfect, I know, but I love it still.

I used a very very light fabric for the lining and it didn't go so well for me. But, it looks ok. As for the button tab. I was careful this time, but instead of having it closing on the inside, it goes in the inside of the top, so it won't mess with the collar. It's functional, and invisible at the same time.

Now, in my first photo of this look I am sharing just three options on how to wear it.
First one: with the red jacket I refashion for the Winter Wonderland theme from last season, and the cutest little girl shoes we own. In red of course!
Second: With a red beanie I had made from an old sweater. It was never blogged about, and same shoes.
Third: same as first, just changed the shoes. This ones are leopard printed with a pink bow and binding. 

The Dreaming of Spring Blazer | day 4 of the Sew Along |

It's the first day of my sweet November, and our final entry on the blazer sew along. Yes, we are finishing it today. There's not much left.

New to the sew along? Here's what we've been doing...
day 1 
day 2 
day 3

Today is time to attach main fabric an linning together, and add the final touches. So, let's start by pinning main fabric piece and linning piece, with right sides together. The sleeves will be facing out on both pieces. Sew all around the edges but leave an opening on the bottom to turn your piece around. Turn it around. Pull sleeves, lining inside main fabric. Fold about 3/8" in each sleeve, and press it. Pin it and sew with an invisible stitch.

Close the opening you left on the bottom with an invisible stitch too. Press your blazer everywhere it need a good press, including pressing your lapelson the front. Put button placket pieces right sides together and sew. Make sure to clip the rounded edges, turn it around, press and add a stitch if you want to. I did as shown on image. Sew a button hole on the rounded edge. Sew it to the right side of your blazer front. On the other side, sew your button. And you're done!

And, here it is. My latest version of my Dreaming of Spring blazer. Which happens to be, as well, the first handmade Christmas present of the year. Now that the full tutorial for the blazer is here, I hope to start seeing a couple of blazers showing in the flickr group, and get a chance to get a free copy of Marta's Bubble Shorts Pattern. You have until the end of the month to participate. 

The Dreaming of Spring Blazer | day 3 of the Sew Along |and a big surprise for sew alongers|

First of all, I have to apologise for taking more than expected to come back with the next steps for the construction of our blazer.

I'm going to start with the big news for everyone who sews along. Don't forget to join the flickr group and share your blazer after it's done. You have until the 30th of November, after that myself and Marta from DoGuincho will pick up our favorite one and the winner will be getting a FREE copy of Marta's first pattern: The Bubble Shorts which I have also sewn and showed here. 

sew along
day 1 
day 2 

So let's continue...

Today we are going to repeat steps from last day using the lining this time. Sew all pieces together, close shoulders, close sleeves and attach them to body.

Then put your hands on the collar pieces. Make sure one of them is interfaced. Put both pieces right sides together and sew all around but the bottom. Clip corners, turn around and press. Fold in half and and slightly cut it or mark it any other way you want so you know where the center of the piece is. 

Time to attach it to the main fabric piece. Pin it all around the neck line and sew a stitch as close to the edge as possible. 

It's the perfect moment to attach the pockets to the blazer. When I started this pink one I had plans to use the pockets, but then my cats ruined my pocket pieces by throwing on it, so I just skipped them. But here's how to do it. 

They're easy to do when you have the right tools, but it isn't impossible to do it if you don't. Use pattern paper to mark the place where eyelets will go (after interfacing the main fabric pocket pieces) (image 20) and with a puncher (image 21) get holes done. Now, if you don't have one, just pierce with the tip of your scissors. Add the eyelets in the holes (image 22) and press them with its pliers (image 23). Again, if you don't have one, it's not the end of the world. Maybe you can do button holes instead, or just get creative!

Cut your ribbon in 4 even parts. You can slightly burn every edge on a candle light to prevent it from fraying. Insert it in one eyelet and pin at the side (image 24), do the same for the other side. You might want to pin it all in the middle right now because you'll be adding lining soon and this will prevent you from sewing unwanted ribbon in your seams (image 25). Get your pocket lining piece and pin it to the main fabric one, right sides together and sew. Leave a small opening in the bottom so you can turn your piece (image 26).

Turn pockets to the right side. Press it and pin the little opening you've left on the last step (image 27). Pin the pocket to the front of your jacket. You'll notice that the top is wider than the drawing on pattern, that's ok, this will allow you to pucker your pocket when you'll tie your ribbon. View of pockets pinned to the jacket (image 29 - sorry it's a little blurry). Stitch as close to the edge of your pocket as possible. This will close your opening (on pocket) with no other needs (image 30). View of pockets added (image 31).

We're done for today!