Abby's Tights

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Tudo pronto para 2019? As festas ficaram para trás, vamos lá começar uma nova caminhada rumo a 2020... ahahah... Lembram-se da túnica Rival Raglan de há três posts atrás? Planeava partilhar esta peça logo de seguida e quase me esqueci de o fazer. São as meias-calça Abby Footed Tights (da The Wolf and the Tree) que fiz juntamente com a túnica para a filha da minha amiga. Creio que foi o tamanho 4 (ele tem 3) e se nao estou em erro ainda assim não ficaram muito bem porque a miúda é alta. 

Everyone ready for 2019? Holidays are over so let's get started in a new path straight to 2020... ahahah... Remember the Rival Raglan tunic I shared like three posts ago? I was planning on sharing this one right away and I almost forgot to do it at all. Well, I made this Abby Footed Tights (by The Wolf and the Tree) to send with the tunic to my friends daughter. I believe I made her a size 4 (she's 3) and I still wasn't sure this would fit, she's tall. 

Fiz esta há tanto tempo que realemente não me lembro de muitos detalhes da mesma. Já tinha feito umas outras antes, há uns aninhos para a minha filha, podem ver aqui. Creio que eram até do mesmo tamanho. Porém tecido que usei nestas para a filha da minha amiga, não é tão elástico como o das primeiras e faz muita diferença (o da minha era muitoooooo mais).

I made this so long ago I can't really remember many details to tell you about. I made another one for my daughter before, a few years ago, you can see it here. I guess that was the same size actually. The fabric I used for my friend's daughter wasn't as stretchy as the one I used for mine and it shows (it was veryyy stretchy). 

Adoro o tecido. Eu sei, adoro caveiras... desde sempre! E estas então são super queridas com os olhos em forma de coração. Verão mais coisas feitas com ele de certeza, comprei uma boa quantidade e mal posso esperar para o usar de novo.

I love this fabric. I know, I love skulls... always have! And these are so cute with the little hearts in the eyes. You'll be seeing this again, I got quite a bit left and can't wait to make something else with it.

Thread Faction #123 Pattern Tour

I am joining Liz from Thread Faction for her Sewing Knit Basics pattern tour. Today I am sharing my take on her new pattern #123 Girls Tank and Pants. 

The Tank n Pants Set was a winner in our house. I asked my daughter if I could try it on hr when I finished and she immediately asked me if she could sleep in it (it was about bed time) and of course I said yes. She loves these sets and I love to sew them for her. I see a few more in a near future coming out of my sewing machine. 

So. My kiddo's measurements put her on a straight 7 and I am happy with it although I think the bottom piece was a bit baggy on her. It allows to grow though which is something I always appreciate on a me made anyway. And, it is still comfortable she says, so all good here. 

The set is made of two pieces, top and knickers, it comes in sizes 2-10, has an optional gusset - which I did by the way - and it is a begginer's friendly pattern, just, so you know. It is another quick and easy sew, just what I need to get back into sewing. 

The main fabric from the top was given to me by my friend Patrícia, when she downsized her stash. The green one I used from the bottom of some launge pants my sister bought for me. They were new but she got it for me, not to wear as she knows I wouldn't wear anything with this lettuce colour on, but because it was a lot of knit for a little amount of money and I could refashion them. I love my sister (she got me two of these).

Apparently this is perfect to sleep in... except she was pretending to do so in my bed, instead of going to her own. Anyway, if you liked it and you got the pattern or are planning on it, make sure to follow Liz's Thread Faction Sewn Series on youtube, here's her first episode for you. 

Top 5 of 2017 |REFLECTIONS/GOALS|

Scoll down for english, please!

Antes de escrever este post fui ler o semelhante dos anos anteriores (de 2013 a 2015), e é engraçado como a maior parte das decisões que tomei, principalmente em 2015 se enquadram naquilo que pensava escrever este ano também. Aparentemente não foi em 2016 que a minha motivação entrou em queda, e sim a meio do ano anterior. Desde então que tenho tido uns altos e baixos, parece até que essa motivação se tornou bipolar. Enfim... Hoje reflito nisso tudo, e vou deixar por escrito o que espero para 2018 no que toca às minhas costuras e a este blog. 

Before I started writting this post, I went back and read the similar ones from previous years (from 2013 to 2015), and it's funny how most of the decisions I made back then are quite similar to what I was going to write this year as well. Apparently it was not in 2016 that my sewing mojo went on holidays, but in the middle of the previous year. Ever since, I had ups and downs, like my mojo has suddenly turned bipolar. Oh well... I reflict on all that today, and I'll write down what I hope for 2018 as for my sewing and blog is concerned. 

#1. Nada de compras!- Este é um dos meus maiores objetivos para o próximo ano. Em 2013 desafiei-me a não comprar mesmo nada a não ser que fosse mesmo, mesmo, mesmo necessário. Desde então tentei manter o hábito mas mais descontraidamente. Durante 2017, não posso dizer que me tenha portado mal, os tecidos acima foram os únicos que comprei (os que já usei têm um "X"), mais dois outros que usei num pufe que fiz para o meu sobrinho, e renda para o soutien, aos quais não tirei foto, ainda assim, dei por mim a comprar alguns tecidos sem necessidade nenhuma, apenas por impulso.  

#1. No buying / Sew from my stash - This is one of my main goals for the next year. Back in 2013 I challenged myself to stop buying unless I really really really needed to. Ever since I tried to keep the habit but in a more relaxed way. Through 2017, I can't say I didn't behave, the fabrics pictured above were the only ones I bough (the ones with the "X" are the ones I used already), plus two other I bought to make my nephew a puff, and the lace for the bra but failed to picture, still, I know I bought a few of these on an impulse, no real need. 

#2. Reciclar/Transformar mais! - Não tenho reciclado tanto este ano, foquei-me mais em baixar a pilha de tecidos que tenho em stock e as roupas que tenho para reaproveitar foram ficando encostadas. Entraram mais algumas para a pilha que me foram dadas, tirei algumas pelas quais já não sentia conexão nenhuma para doar, e agora mais recentemente ainda comprei mais umas peças que encontrei a 1€ cada. Estão na foto acima, e já usei duas delas. Ah! E com isto gostava de dizer que penso trazer o "Refashion Month" de volta. 

#2. More refashioning! - I haven't done it as much this year, I focused on down sizing my fabric stash so the refashioning pile got a bit to the back of my head. A few more pieces were added to my existing pile, I took a few away to donate because I didn't identify with them anymore, but I also more a few more recently, I found them for 1€ each. They are the ones on the above picture, I used two of them already. Oh! I am planning on bringing the "Refashion Month" back.  

Apenas algumas das coisas que fiz que nunca cheguei a partilhar aqui.
Just a few of the things I made and never got to share here. 

#3. Publicar o que faço! - Tenho deixado imensas coisas que fiz por publicar. Acho sempre que posso fazer no dia a seguir e depois no outro e nunca chegam ao blog. Tentei contá-las e posso dizer-vos que as peças que nunca chegaram a ser publicadas foram praticamente em mesmo número que aquelas que sim. 

#3. Post what I make! - I've been leaving so many things I made unblogged. I always think I can make it the next day, and then the next and they never make it to here. I tried to count them and I can tell you they are nearly asmany as the ones that did make it to the blog. 

Acabei o pufe a 24 de Dezembro, foi prenda de natal do meu sobrinho e não tinha um fundo de jeito para tirar foto. A gata não ajudou. Foi o possível e não vou stressar por isso.
I finished this puff on the 24th of December, it was a christmas gift and I couldn't find a decent background for it. The cat didn't help either. It was the possible thing to get and I am not stressing over it. 

#4. Ser mais realista! - Naquilo que quero e posso fazer. Naquilo que realmente sou eu e não me deixar levar por aqueles/as que acompanho. Isto tem muito a ver com o ponto anterior, por vezes não publico à espera da melhor luz para fotografar a peça, do melhor isto e aquilo, mas sejamos verdadeiros, não pretendo fazer dinheiro com o blog, se a luz está mais fraca num certo dia, acho que preciso de tirar a foto mesmo assim, senão nunca chego a publicar nada. 

#4. Keep it real! - What I want and what I can achieve. What I really am and not get carried away with others I follow do or say. This is largely related to the previous subject, sometimes I might skip posting while waiting for a better light to get photos taken, best thi and that, but let's keep it real, I'm not planning on getting any profit out of this blog, if the light is bad on a certain day, well lei it be and shoot that photo either way, other wise it might never get to the blog. 

#5. Voltar aos videos! - Talvez não em formato podcast como fiz no passado. A ideia já cá está há imenso tempo, cheguei mesmo a gravar um video (há cerca de um ano, sei-o porque nele ainda aparece a 1ª macaca da G. e está quase a fazer um ano que a perdeu), mas nunca cheguei a editar e como tal muito menos a publicar. A ideia tem andado a martelar com mais insistência ultimamente, por isso devo mentalizar-me e voltar a eles.

#5. Back to videos! - This might only matter to my portuguese readers as I only film in portuguese, but anyway, I am planning on getting back, not on a podcast format though. The idea has been bouncing in my head for about a year now, so I guess it's time to get something done\about it. 

New Pattern Alert: the Bella Bralette and Cami

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Há muito tempo que eu andava cheia de vontade de experimentar a fazer um soutien para mim, e a culpa disso deve-se muito à Susana, que me deixou com a pulguinha atrás da orelha quando a conheci pessoalmente em Fevereiro (a sério que daqui a nada faz um ano?!) e me mostrou o seu. Era também o seu primeiro e ela estava tão entusiasmada que me contagiou.

I have been meaning to try and sew myself a bra for a while, I blame it on Susana, she was the one who made the sparkle start when I met her in person back in February (has it really been that long?) and she showed me hers. It was her first too and she was so excited about me that I got carried away too. 

No entanto a vontade permaneceu por cá mas sem nunca surgir a oportunidade de fazer um para mim, até que há algumas semanas deparei-me com um tester call da Jo (Day Dream Patterns) para o seu novo molde Bella Bralette & Cami e sentindo-me motivada lá tentei a minha sorte. Foi à Susana que encomendei a minha renda, linda e tão suave!

Although I wanted to do it I haven't found the oportunity to make one though, until I got across a tester call from Jo (Day Dream Patterns) a few weeks ago, it was for the her new pattern Bella Bralette & Cami and feeling motivated I applied. It was also from Susana that I ordered my lace, so beatiful and soft! 

Adoro o meu novo bralette, por inteiro. Fiquei encantada com o resultado final - afinal isto foi uma novidade para mim - e não me canso de olhar tanto o exterior como o interior, pois também este está com acabamentos tão pro, que dão gosto. Além de que dá suporte, sem o desconforto dos arames. Ando rendida aos bralettes (só tenho mais um, que por acaso comprei uns dias antes de terminar este). E é engraçado como não sinto a falta das copas com enchimento como me habituei a usar, a Susana já me tinha dito isso (ambas temos peito pequeno e conversámos sobre isso), mas eu tinha cá as minhas dúvidas. Miúda, se me lês: estavas certa!!!

I love my new bralette, completely. I was delighted with the final result - after all, this was new to me - and I can't get enough of staring at it, not only from outside, as inside too, since it looks so good and so professionally done, so good. Besides it has a good support it has, even without wires. I have surrendered to bralettes (I onlt have another one I bought just a couple of days before I made my own). And it is funny how I don't miss my usually worned padded cups, Susana had told me that before (we talked about it since we both have small breasts), but I had my doubts. Well girl, if you're reading this: you were right!

Quanto ao molde, tem 25 números e apresenta 3 opções diferentes, esta que fiz que é cruzado na frente, depois há a opção em V e também o cami que pode ser usado em qualquer uma das versões anteriores. A frente é toda forrada com bonitos acabamentos que não deixam costuras visíveis. Agora que olho para a foto da parte de trás do meu, vejo que poderia ter centrado o padrão da renda, nabice pura, nem pensei muito nisso quando cortei. De qualquer forma, já tenho outro cortado na mesa de trabalho, à espera de acabar as costuras loucas de pré natal para o terminar. 

As for the pattern, it comes in 25 sizes, and has 3 different options, the plunge neckline which is the one I made, then there's the V-neckline and also the cami, which you can add to any of the previous options. The front cups are completely lined with nice finishings and no raw edgwa visible. And now that I actually took a good look at my back photo, I realised I could have centered my lace pattern, bahh, I haven't even think of that when cutting. Anyway, I already have another one on my working table, just waiting for the crazy before christmas sewing to be done, to get finished too. 

⇔

EXTRA: Têm até segunda feira dia 4, para aproveitar um desconto de 25%. Para aceder ao código basta juntarem-se ao grupo Daydream Patterns  o facebook. Depois podem fazer a vossa própria roupa interior também. 

EXTRA: You have until Tuesday, Monday 4th, to get a 25% descount code. To have access to the code, visit Daydream Patterns on facebook. Then start making your own underwear too.

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. 

Big Girls Briefs

Do you often forget to take pictures of a piece you plan to refashion before you actually cut it? It sure happens to me. I bought this t-shirt in a charity shop a few months ago and was just waiting for the opportunity to use it. I started cutting, and then I thought about taking the photo.

So, a while ago, I was one of Mama Nene's testers for her Big Girl Briefs pattern. I had been with the underwear sewing bug, and it was the push I needed to finally get something done. And that t-shirt was just perfect for it. For the front piece, I have used some scraps from a shirt I refashioned a while ago into a new one for my daughter. Can you see the little embroidered crown? A detail that was already in the original shirt and I thought it would be cute to use it. 

I tested the smallest size, which is 3 years, which is a little too big for my already 3 year old girl. So, although I really liked to use this pattern, I must wait a little longer until I make any new pairs. I plan to though. The pattern for this is awesome, I love the briefs shape. 

I loved the final piece so much, with the crown on the front and the pirate on the back... I can't actually wait until it fits her perfectly for her to start using it. I think I will save some of her stained t-shirts and see if they are ok to refashion into briefs. This is a very quick sew, and the perfect marriage for people who enjoys refashioning as much as I do. 

Nursing Nightgown

So, here's something I've never made before. A nursing nightgown. And there's always a special feeling attached to accomplishing a garment we've never tried before, isn't it? 

I already had two nursing friendly nightgowns to add to the maternity bag I have to carry to the hospital, but I thought a third would be pretty good. Besides, I know I'll spend my baby's first week, pretty much wearing nightgowns only. So, it was worth giving it a try and make myself a new one. 

And all I spent on it was 1,45€ (elastic and "clips" - don't really know the proper name for them). I was able to re-use what I already had once again. I used a baggy nightgown that I got in that huge pile of clothes I just blogged about a few days ago. The print was awesone, and it was made of a 100% cotton knit, so it was perfect for what I wanted. 

I didn't use a pattern. One of the other nightgowns I said I already had, was used to help me cut the new pieces. I sort of drafted the pattern for the chest part though, because I wanted it to work just right. I used 2,5cm wide elastic as bias and it worked just great. I had the elastic in my stash, but since I used pretty much the whole thing, I bought some more to replace it, if I hadn't it wouldn't cost 1,45€ but 0,50€ only. That's a good thing! 

The straps are a little darker than the elastic because they were reused from an old bra I wasn't using anymore. And, the two other changes I made, was adding a pleat in the front to allow for the belly... we all know it doesn't just dissapear after a baby is delivered, right?! 

And, I shortened it a bit, doing a new hem.I would keep the original one, I liked it, but there was a hole close to the hem, and I was forced to cut it a bit. It wasn't much though and it still is a modest gown I can wear in public (read: hospital). So, it is already packed in my bag and waiting for the day this little boy decides it's time to meet the world outside.