I Still Make Stuff

 Made by Rae Washi Dress

You'd never know it from reading this blog, but there's still some crafting going on around these parts!

Being short on time means that it mainly only ends up on Instagram rather than the blog.... but I thought I'd have a quick catch up here today.

One of the things that I really wanted to do this year was to make more clothes for myself.

I've already had heaps of wear from my Washi Dress. It's been lovely and cool for the 40 degree weather we've been having!

This is a quick summer top whipped up from a Vintage Simplicity 5007 pattern. Nice and cool and comfy.

This one was a WIP for a few weeks... the bodice was drafted using the same Vintage Simplicity 5007 top pattern (as above). I just shortened the bodice and then drafted a skirt to match.

I didn't even bother with a zip in this one. I just made it loose enough to slip over my head - the perfect lazy summer dress!

Have a super fab weekend all.... and make sure to check out the gorgeous goodies in the fundraising shop!

Remember this dress?

A little while ago, I created a new design especially for the 'A Piece of Cloth' exhibition.

I had it printed onto a lovely cotton sateen basecloth...

....and made it into this lovely dress.

Unfortunately, it doesn't fit me, and so this completely unique dress is now looking for a new home.

It's a Simplicity 2444 Project Runway Pattern. I made it in a Size 14 (according to the pattern).

The measurement from the pattern envelope - Bust 36 Waist 28 Hip 38
The only change that I made was to add side in-seam pockets on both sides.

If you're interested in buying, just send me an email - mscurlypops@gmail.com

A Piece Of Cloth

Photo courtesy Gleaners Inc - that's my dress on the left

Tonight was the opening night of A Piece Of Cloth at Gleaners Inc

Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the opening, but thank goodness I was thinking ahead, and had all of my pieces completed before that middle of the night phone call came through.

I didn't get a chance to photograph my dress, so I've borrowed one of Liz's lovely photos (above).

From the very beginning, I wanted to take my piece of cloth, use it as inspiration, design my own fabric, and make a dress for the exhibition.

This was my original mocked up design inspiration for the finished dress.

I couldn't stop at one design.... so I included them all in some cards

To finish it off, I also designed a one-off cushion featuring some of my designs.

I can't wait to actually get over to Brunswick to see it...

More sewing for me

I've been sewing up a storm over the last week, and now have a few more handmade pieces to add to my wardrobe.

There's just that little matter of cleaning the wardrobe out of all of the clothes that I no longer need or wear...

I've  been hoarding saving this fabric for the perfect dress. It was a bit of a surprise purchase as I had a GJ's voucher that was about to expire just before Christmas 2011, and no time to actually go to GJ's, so I gave it to Bec with instructions to choose a large scale floral in red/orange/pink. She couldn't have chosen anything more perfect!

This is a bit of a mash up of patterns again.

The bodice is the top half of the Vintage Simplicity 5007 again, with the neckline lowered, and the skirt is the Lisette Passport Dress again.

This time when I cut the skirt pieces, I added three extra inches in width at either side of the CF and CB, so that I could make the three pleats on either side at the front and back.


I used a small binding on the armholes, a large binding on the neckline and just gave it a minimal hem.

I sewed it up and then realised that I'd forgotten the in-seam pockets. Thank goodness I hadn't overlocked yet!

I even managed to set them in at the correct height this time *win*

I desperately tried to take a selfie to show me actually wearing it, but it was 42 degrees celsius and I ended up with a whole lot of blurry photos / me with my eyes closed / head chopped off etc... so this is the best of a bad lot.

This is seriously the most comfy dress ever. I LOVE IT!

Lovely things that others have made

I was sorting through my photo folders earlier this week when I realised that there were a few things that I hadn't blogged yet.

The first one is this lovely dress that Jennie made for me as part of a swap. The pattern is Simplicity 2925. It's unhemmed in this photo, so it's a little longer than the actual finished product. Jennie made lovely capped sleeves for me, and added side in-seam pockets!

This next one is a happy accident (happy for me anyway).

Bec made herself this lovely Grainline Tank but it was a bit too tight around the shoulders...

...so now it's mine!