Ichigo Bomber Jacket |pattern by Sew Chibi|

Scroll down for english, please. 

Já ouviram falar da primeira Coleção cápsula de moldes do Project Run & Play? Se não, vale mesmo a pena darem uma espreitadela. Bem, eu fiz parte dos testes de três destes moldes, e devo dizer que, agora que vi toda a coleção, eles são mesmo os meus favoritos. *sinto-me felizarda* E o primeiro molde desses três que testei foi o Ichigo Bomber Jacket da Sew Chibi.

Have you heard about the first Capsule Wardrobe Pattern Collection over at Project Run & Play? If not, you might want to visit the page and learn all about it. Well, I was one of the testers for three of these patterns, and I have to say, now that I see the entire collection (check out the picture below), they are exactly my faves. *Lucky me* And the first of the three was this Ichigo Bomber Jacket by Sew Chibi. 

Não devia ser novidade o quanto gosto dos moldes Sew Chibi, porque são sempre uma briza de ar fresco, originais, diferentes de tudo o que há por ai. A Kat cria-os com amor e muito trabalho. Além disso, é uma pessoa impecável e tão inspiradora. Já testei outros moldes dela, mas infelizmente nunca cheguei a publicar no blog, coisa que continuo a querer fazer mesmo que já os tenha costurado talvez há mais de um ano. 

It should be no big news that I really love Sew Chibi's patterns, for the fact that they are always a breeze of fresh air, original, different from anything else out there. Kat puts a lot of love and work in her designs. Besides, she's an adorable person, and so very inspiring. I did test a few other patterns for her in the past that never made it to the blog but although it has been over a year ago, I still want to share those with you, and hopefully I'll do that soon. 

De volta à peça de hoje, como já disse, este é o Ichigo Bomber Jacket. Desta vez o modelo foi o meu filho e gosto imenso como lhe assenta. Fiz o tamanho 4 e fica mesmo bem. Nem sempre acontece ele vestir a sua idade (normalmente é mais pequeno) mas este serve perfeitamente. * A respeito da foto acima, o molde original não apresenta nenhuma costura na barra da cintura, acontece que eu não tinha tecido suficiente e acabei por unir retalhos. 

Back to today's piece, as I said before, here's the Ichigo Bomber jacket. I made it for my son this time and I am very pleased with how it looks on him. I made him a size 4 and it's the perfect fit. It doesn't always happen that he fits his age (usually smaller) but it fits perfectly indeed. *About the above photo... the original pattern has no seam in the waist band, but I was almost done when I realised I didn't have enough of that knit so I patched. 

Adoro como o corte asimétrico no desenho do molde nos permite brincar com os tecidos. Ao contrário da Kat (a designer), eu sou a fazer de cores sólidas e mais escuras, por isso usei o tecido às riscas preto e cinzento que comprei há um par de anos. Só tinha meio metro, e estava a guardá-lo porque gostava tanto dele e tinha tão pouco. Tinha também há pouco tempo comprado o cinzento escuro, sólido, que era precisamente o mesmo tipo do outro e ficavam ambos tão bem juntos, por isso, a escolha estava feita.

I love how the assimetrical cut allows us for a fun colorblocking. Contrary to Kat (the designer), I am all about solids and more darker colour, so I went with this black and grey striped fabric I had bought a couple of years ago. I only had half a meter of it, and was saving it. I guess, I was afraid to cut it because I loved it so much and had so little. I had recently purchased the solid grey which was the same type of fabric, and they looked great together, so I went for it. 

Usei detalhes em azul na gola, nas faixas e nas molas por cause dos olhos azuis do miúdo. Adoro quando ele veste esta cor porque faz com que sobressaiam. Mas, também foi porque a malha azul que usei era a que tinha mais apropriada ao destino. O único tecido que me arrependo de usar, foi a malha dos bolsos embutidos. É verde escuro com uns astronautas, e não sei porquê, na altura achei que seria boa ideia usá-lo. Na minha cabeça isto ia resultar... pois, não. 

I used blue details on the collar, bands and snaps because of my boy's blue eyes. I always love it when he wears blue because it makes his eyes colour pop. Also because it was one of the most approriate type of knit I had for this parts, only they were scraps. The only fabric I regret a bit using once I looked at the finished piece, was the welt pockets one. It was dark grey with astronauts, and I don't know why, I thought it was a good choice. In my head it would work... only, I think it didn't. 

Além dos bolsos embutidos, há mais um bolso na frente do caso, no lado esquerdo. Fiquei tão feliz com as minhas riscas todas casadas. Não se nota que adoro riscas? Reconhecem a camisola que ele veste por debaixo do casaco? Foi por coincidência que a tinha vestida no dia que acabei o casaco e fomos tirar as fotos, mas também fui eu que a fiz, aqui. 

Besides the welt pockets, there is a front pocket on the left side. I was so happy with my stripes matching. Can you tell I love stripes? Do you recognise his shirt underneath the jacket? It was a coincidence that he was wearing it the same day I finished the jacket and put it on him for the shooting, but it's one I made him too, here. 

PR&P15 |From outta space|

Scroll down for english, please!

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. 

PR&P15 |Temple of Artemis inspired|

Scroll down for english, please!

Estou a costurar a par do Project Run & Play outra vez! Tive que ir espreitar a última vez que o fiz porque já nem me lembrava. Desde que vi que vinha uma nova temporada fiquei bastante empolgada e ansiosa para que começasse. O tema para a primeira semana são as 7 Maravilhas do Mundo e eu inspirei-me numa das Antigas: O Templo de Artemis. Fiz uma pequena pesquisa para saber mais sobre ele e encontrei infinitas possibilidades de o representar na roupa da miúda. 

I am sewing along Project Run and Play again! I had to check what my last entry about it was because I couldn't even remember. Somehow, I felt quite excited about this newest season, and couldn't wait for it to start. First week's theme is 7 Wonders of the World and I went with one of the ancient: The Temple of Artemis. I did a little research just to get to know more about it and I saw endless ways to represent it in my kid's clothes. 

Para vos ajudar a perceber por onde fui, ficam aqui os tópicos pelos quais me guiei. Então, é um templo Grego (embora tenha sido construído na Turquia) e foi dedicado à deusa Artemis, deusa da caça, florestas e dos animais selvagens. É frequentemente representada a carregar arcos ou setas. Eram-lhe oferecidos itens valiosos como jóias, etc. 

To help you understand, I listed the topics I noted before coming up with a design. So, this is a Greek temple (though it was built in Turkey) and  it was dedicated to the hunt, forests and wild animals goddess Artemis. Artemis is often depicted carrying a bow or arrows. People used to pay tribute to her by offering valuable items as jewellery, etc. 

Primeiro pensei em fazer um vestido, com inspiração nos drapeados e tecidos da antiga Grécia, depois mudei de ideias e procurei um look mais descontraído. Um casaco de pêlo pareceu-me uma boa maneira de começar,  representando os animais selvagens e a caça. Só tinha este tecido em pêlo meio esverdeado em casa ( que comprei a pedido da miúda!) e foi mesmo este o escolhido.

I first thought about making a dress, using greek-like fabric and drapes, then I changed my mind for a more daily look. I thought about making a fur coat to represent the animals and the hunt. I only had this greenish fur available (which I had previously bought under her request) and that's what I used. 

Para o forro usei dois tecidos diferentes, o verde que tem uma tonalidade linda e que me foi oferecido, e o de xadres verde e branco que usei no pequeno bolso secreto e também nas mangas porque não tinha suficiente do verde sólido. Para que o xadrez não se visse, coloquei uma barra do verde sólido no final das mangas.

I used two different fabrics for the lining, the solid green, which is gorgeous and was a gift, and the chess fabric which was just a scrap from my stash. I used this one on the little secret pocket and also on the sleeves because I didn't have quite enough of the solid green. I added a solid green band on the bottom of the sleeves though so the chess wouldn't be noticed. 

Usei o molde #11 Super Sweet da Ottobre 4/2015 para o fazer, e alterei-o mudando a frente e adicionando o forro. Os tamanhos deste molde vão do 86 ao 122 cm. Fiz o maior para ela, ainda não está bem nos 122 cm mas também já não tem apenas 116 cm e não quis arriscar, mesmo porque estamos em Março, supostamente entramos este mês na Primavera e o casaco terá mais uso no próximo inverno do que propriamente neste.

I used the #11 Super Sweet pattern from Ottobre 4/2015 to make it, and changed it by lining it, and slightly altering the front. The sizes start at 86 and go up to 122 cm. I made her the biggest one, she's not quite 122 cm yet, but she's not 116 cm anymore either, and it was saver like this, especially because we are in March now and Spring should be just around the corner, so this will get to be used more often next winter. 

Depois queria fazer-lhe um top e pintar algumas setas nele, mas encontrei por entre os meus tecidos um resto deste com a penas que usei para mim anteriormente (aqui) e que também me pareceu bem, e então em vez do top fiz-lhe uma t-shirt com o molde Hickory and Spice Henley, já que a vontade de a fazer vinha desde que fiz a versão menino para o meu filho.

I then wanted to make her a tank top and paint some arrows on it, but I found this feathered fabric in my stash and that I had used on me before (here) and figured this would look good too, so instead of the tank top, I made her a Hickory and Spice Henley, which I had been meaning to since I made the boy's version for my boy. 

Porém não fiquei lá muito satisfeita, e deve-se à minha escolha de tecido. Este é demasiado fino para o molde, e escorregadio, por isso não fiquei satisfeita com o resultado - as expetativas estavam lá em cima mas não correu tão bem. Penso que também deveria ter brincado mais com os diferentes tecidos e ter usado o preto na gola e no acento dos ombros como fiz com a dele. O modelo perde-se um pouco quando usado apenas o tecido principal. 

I wasn't so happy with how it turned out after all, and that was because this fabric was too thin and slippery and I disliked how it turned out. Expectations were high and it didn't meet them. I also think I should have used more color blocking on the shoulders and collar details, as I did with his. The designs gets a bit lost because I used the same main fabric. 

Tinha planeado fazer uns calções também, mas esqueço-me sempre que a vida se mete pelo meio e nem sempre o tempo chega. Já não consigo sacrificar horas de sono, ficando a costurar noite adentro como fazia quando só tinha a mais velha pequenina e não trabalhava fora, nessa altura apesar de tudo, era mais fácil costurar. Agora já não consigo, não chego a tudo, e os calções ficaram ali, cortados e meio costurados, na minha mesa de costura. O molde que estou a usar é da Burda. 

I had also planned a pair of shorts to go along, but I always forget how life can get in the middle and time is never enough. I just can't stand very late night sewing as I did when I had just one toddler and was a stay at home mom. It was easier to get some more sewing time back then, when I sacrificed hours of sleep. I just can't do that anymore, I can't reach it all, and my shorts are cut and started, but unfinished on my sewing table. I am using a Burda pattern. 

Refashion Month with Knot So Normal

Today I am welcoming Jonie from Knot So Normal, in the series for the first time. We've been taking part in a few tours, and apart from loving refashioning, she also does crochet and anything she's tempted too, my kind of peson then. I actually relate to her in a lot of ways, not only in sewing, we both have a girl and a boy, we sew, upcycle, do crafts with our kids (letting them use their imagination), and more. I love her project for today, and I hope you too. 

***

Hi everyone! I am so excited to be here sharing my refashion with you. Refashion and upcyclying are 2 of my favorite parts of sewing. When I started sewing money was really tight, so I dipped into our closets to make stuff. I am ALWAYS scanning clearance racks for items to turn into a one-of-a-kind clothing piece for myself or my kids. I will admit to being a bit stumped for what I wanted to make for this post, so I started browsing through my collection of clothes to be refashioned and I found this coat. I LOVED this coat when I bought it, but it didn't have the best shape so I knew I wanted to turn it into something else. 

Originally I was going to redesign it into a coat for myself, but I am working on the Wardrobe Capsule Challenge by Rebel and Malice and decided to make a jacket for Miss G. After consulting with her she told me she wanted it to be short, warm and have a Halloween Hello Kitty Lining. She also requested one button on it. I think I rocked this one.

   

 The pattern for this is self-drafted with princess seams on the front and back bodice and a bottom band. I also added inseam pockets because every little girl needs pockets in her jacket. 

 

I am happy to say that this jacket cost next to nothing. The coat was repurposed, the lining fabric was given to me by my aunt, the buttons were in a HUGE box of notions that I picked up at a yard sale for $3.00. I also added a layer of flannel between the main and lining fabric for extra warmth, it cost me next to nothing also. I picked it up at a yard sale for $.10 a few years ago. 

 

 As Miss G is getting older I have been trying to up my sewing game and really make things that she is going to LOVE to wear to school and I think that this jacket totally fits the bill.

From a Box * Rebel and Malice * In a Manner of Sewing * Miss Catelinhos * 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

Top Stitchers Today: Me vs. Call Ajaire

EDITED Feb. 5th 2018: I just went to Becca's blog and brought my entry from there to this post I had over here. For the simple fact that I wanted to add the photos I didn't add in my personal blog back then. And why did I think of that right now? Because auditioning for the next season of PR&P is on and I am going to try it out... why not? I like a little presure when I sew after all, so that challenge should be a good one.
Anyway... I tried to see from my fave entries and I had to pick up this one because it is all I love about sewing: comfortable clothes for my kids, that cool style, adding some details, and above all: refashioned items!!! Oh! I was so happy with this look. So, if you're reading this: wish me luck!

When I signed up for Top Stitchers and then saw the list, I knew exactly what my specialty was: Upcycling of course! Then we got our prompts, and it took me so long to picture what my daughter would grow up to. I pictured a lot of things in my mind, but the answer came from her. She's always singing and dancing, like a true rock star. So, I thought, would I like her to become a rock star? I wouldn't! As long as she was down to earth, a strong woman, a sensitive person, true to herself. All I really want is for her to become whatever she will want/wish to. And I went with the rock star look.

I used 8 existing pieces of clothing to create this look. I first pictured a complete outfit, from head to toe including 8 new pieces. Unfortunately that was over my head and not possible to make. I ended up with 5 item and one unfinished that didn't make into the challenge. The 5 items I finished include a pair of briefs, socks, shorts, t-shirt and one jacket. I used 1 men's leather jacket, 3 women's shirts, 2 women's button shirts, one girl's skirt and a women's jeans. 

I started by making G. a new pair of big girl's briefs, using Serger Pepper's pattern, I did the smaller size, of course (3), and I did them using bits of the striped shirt and the solid red t-shirt. They fit perfectly, and I swear she was wearing them in the photoshot, but I just won't post any pictures of my girl in underwear. You'll just have to take my word as I tell you they fit her perfectly. You can see photos of the briefs (and more) in my blog today. 

Then I did the t-shirt. I adapted an Ottobre's 1/2015 pattern #25. and turned it into a wide neckline top (as was but) sleeveless. I finished the neckline with bias tape and the arms holes with slim bands. It looks pretty as a one off shoulder top. I used the white t-shirt to resize it to her size and patched a lovely girly skull into it. I google for an image like so and then I free hand drew it to paper and cut into fabric. it was the kind of thing I used to do a lot a while ago, and now I don't do that often. That was something this challenge made me realise, and that's why I loved taking part even more. I was able to stretch my imagination, my creativity and make things I really, really wanted, as the jacket, something I did as I was going... but more on that in a second. Because I still had a lot from the striped shirt and I love such prints, I decided that adding a pair of socks to the look would be fun. I used The Sewing Rabbit's tutorial to do so. I tried to make my stripes match, but I couldn't because I was re-using the existing hem and there was no way to make them match. 

The next thing I finished from my list was my favourite one (although I really loved the shorts too). I made my little lady a leather jacket. From all my endless pattern stash, I didn't have a single jacket pattern that I would like for this project. At least not a single one that fit her size range. I didn't worry though and embraced the challenge. I din't do this for so long, start with nothing, no pattern and then make exactly what I had in mind. I actually used Titchy Thread's Rowan tee pattern as a skretch for my jacket. I did all the changes and adjustments, such as shortening the lenght, and making it a two assimetrical front pieces. I changed the collar too. I finished the jacket's sleeves and waistband with ribbon knit bands saved from a refashion from the past. To close the jacket on the front, I used a zipper on the left side of the piece, and underneath, on the center front, I attached 4 kam snaps to make it easier for G. On the shoulder bands I stitched a few lines forming squares in a contrasting thread, red in this case. I finished the inside of the front flap with bias tape. 

The last thing were the shorts, of course. I had just tested Petit a Petit new pattern, the Morocco Pants and Shorts and I just knew I had to use it. The pattern is just about to be launched and I asked Celina permission to use it for the challenge and post even before it's out. But don't worry, it's not long until you can get it, and you will want to. I love all the details, and the professional finishing touches. So, I used jeans to make this pair. In the front pockets and the back welt pockets, I have used the light denim button up shirt, and the other button up shirt as lining. I had plans to make a sleeveless button up shirt for the look too, for layering, but there was no time and it was left unfinished. Back to the shorts, they have a zipper, a snap in the front, and an adjustable elastic waist. I used a lace band from the white skirt to add it to the shorts hems. 

I didn't get all the 8 pieces done, but I am pretty happy that I got these done because they were big hits in our house. And I had fun, really lots of fun for participating in this challenge. I felt free! So thanks Becca, Ajaire, readers and all the rest involved in this. 

Today I get to participate in the Top Stitchers 2 challenge, organised by Becca, over Free Notions. Myself and Ajaire from Call Ajaire are competing for the upcycling theme. Click here to see our posts and vote please. You can vote for both of us, giving more points to one or the other according to what you believe to be fair. I was already pretty wordy in my entry at Free Notions, so here's a few extra photos for you.

I hope you've enjoyed them all because I sure did enjoy making them. 

My Weekly Refashion Share #2 |Bolero|

If you're looking for the giveaway, please click HERE. 

This is a refashion that I did way over a year ago. A request from my sister. Back in 2012, I made a few dresses for all of us, for my cousin's wedding. I blogged about them here. Last year my sister had another event to go to, and wanted to have my niece wearing the same dress again. The problem was that it would take place in a less warmer season and she asked me to make L. a little cardigan or a bolero. 

 

I didn't have any orange fabric back then, so into the refashion pile we went. My mom had just brought me another bag of clothes someone else had given her, and she didn't want... so, into my stash it went. It was a woman's sized shirt, in a very light and slippery shiny knit. I kept it because I loved the embroidery on the front. I'm sorry the before picture isn't that good. 

When we picked this piece, I felt a bit sad I was going to lose that embroidery. I was able to use the shirt partially, I saved that piece for a future project. It's still waiting... and will for as long as it has to be, until I find the perfect destiny for it. 

But I did turn part of the shirt into a bolero for my niece. She loved it. You see the bag she's carrying? It's a crochet one and my mom made it for her. She was proud of her handmades, she loves when we make things for her, I wish she never changes because her brother is 8 and not so easy to satisfy. 

To make this bolero, I tried to "copy" the pattern from my daughter's 9M sized bolero. I loved the shape so much I just had to use it for the niece's. It was a bit trial and error, and although they didn't complain, I thought it was a bit wide in the end. 

Challenge Create: Adult Edition |week 2|

If you haven't yet, go HERE and vote for your favourite refashion!|

This has to be one of my favourite themes from the challenge. After all, most of the things I make are refashioned on a daily basis, and I host a Refashion Series (now twice a month), so me, me, me all over it. 

 However, when I went looking in my pile, I couldn’t find anything I’d really turn into maternity clothes, the only appealing thing to me was this long orange dress, original from the 70’s that, if I am honest with you, loved just as it was. But it was outdated, and I believe I’d be called “crazy” if I went outside wearing it.

I picked it for my project. I knew exactly what I wanted to make out of it, and also that I needed something else to go with it. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted/needed so it turned out pretty easy for me.

I didn’t have anything in the stash that would go with the orange so I went thirft shopping in my usual charity shop, and found a child’s size dress for 0,50€ (amazing, right?!). I wasn’t sure if it’d fit me at all or not, but I brought it home with me.

The brown “things” in the before photo? Two pieces, leg leftovers from a toddler’s trousers. I used those for the handbag/clutch.

So… in order to get the new look out of these two pieces, I did more unpicking and hand sewing that anything else. I started by taking off the flower on the front, the sleeves and the neckline ruffles from the dress, and hemming it to my height. I had to do a lot of unpicking, and then sewing again, so the dress would look even.

For the Cardigan, which was previously the dress, I did a bit more. I started by turning it around, front-back wise. I’ve removed the sleeves cuff – which was too tight for me, I’ve added an elastic to the hem instead and used some of the original lace from the dress sleeves. To close my cardigan, I used vintage lace, and tight in the front. Both dress and cardigan, have an invisible stitch on their hems, which I did by hand too. 

On the back of the cardigan I added some lace too, to make it a bit wider as I walk. I also changed the front to make it sort of triangular, and follow the dress shape instead how having a straight line.

To finish off the look, I made myself a new clutch. For this I used the trousers legs leftovers, the flower I took off from the dress and also scraps from the cardigan. I hemming it shorter, and those pieces were the ones I used for the clutch.

Spring Showers Jacket |Tested and Approved|

Today I get to share one of the items I enjoyed sewing the most in the last weeks passed. And I have been sewing a lot of things I liked, so you can have an idea. The talented Heidi from Elegance and Elephants has just released her latest pattern.

click picture above for further info

And I was a pretty lucky tester. This kind of garment's pattern was missing in my collection, and I've been eyeing her patterns for long. I still can't believe I didn't miss the testers call (I often do) and that I was picked to test it. I couldn't be happier, and let me just say, when it comes to pattern piecing, Heidi has just become my hero! It was so easy and quick that I was sure I was messing up somehow. Well,I wasn't! 

The pattern calls for a waterproof fabric, which I didn't have in my stash, and as you all know by now, if I don't have it, I will probably not go and buy it before I hardly search what else can I use from my stash (destashing at all cost!). I found this black one. It's not heavy, waterproof or that resistent. It was an elegant table cloth I bought in a sales from a decoration shop, because it would be perfect for a corset. 

So, why did I use it? Because the corset was never made, and many years have passed, and then, because it looks waterproof at first sight. Nailed it then! For the lining I used another very light woven fabric that was donated to me, many years ago too. It's a lot of it, and so far I have only used it for the linning of this dress:

click photo above to take you to original post

I made the 2/3 size for my daughter, it is the smallest in the pattern and I thought it'd be too big on her, but actually nope, it wasn't. The sleeves are too long but I love how we can just rolled them and let the linning showing. Also, I think the hood is a bit too big for her, but apparently it was for most testers and Heidi has changed it for the final pattern (remember mine is a test piece and little details were improved). 

I love how professional it looks and I'm sure I'll be making her another one when she grows out of this one, and maybe more - hubby says he still has to get used to the new level of my final pieces - I blush and feel proud, and I know I have to thank all the designers that make this wonderful patterns and tutorials. I have been using pattern magazines for years, but some things are just too hard to get from them, and the independent designers make it so clear, with all the detailed information and pictures. So, to all of you that design and are reading this: A BIG THANK YOU!

PS - yes... G. is also wearing the Parisian look from my latest blog post.