Lisette B6168 and a birthday safari

I'm not sure what drew me to this pattern because it isn't my usual style.  It is Lisette B6168 and I do like the bodice very much, just a bit different.

The fabric used is a polyester linen look with a little stretch so that I didn't need to make an fba.  It's the same fabric I use for my McCalls 5523.

I cut my usual size 14 grading to a 12 at the waist.  I raised the waist by 3/4" because this is what I usually do, but I have to say I think it would be better a little lower.  I reduced the shoulder width by 5/8" and took about 1 inch from the top of the back at the zip grading down.

Now the observant among you may notice that the skirt in my dress is not the same as in the pattern which is gathered.  The picture below will show you how this looks!  Yes, great as a maternity dress.  At this point I nearly put the dress in the UFO pile, I mean what possessed me to think that a dress like this would suit anyone who is not a size 8!  I thought I would have one try unpicking the skirt and pleating it rather than gathering it.  Much better.

I have got a bit of wear out of the dress, though it's not my favourite and not one I will be making again.

Now please excuse me indulging a little.  Yesterday was Dan's 24th birthday and we went to Dalton Wildlife Park.

It was the best day of the summer.  Lovely weather, lovely company and so much to see.

We've been many times, and it is one of our favourite days out.  Dan and Gemma live only 10 minutes away now.

The best part was hand-feeding the lemurs, Oliver the Kangaroo

a capybara and even a prairie dog!  What a treat.

Simplicity 1586; an amazing fit

I love this dress.  Although it may come up as rather ordinary in the photos I feel really good in it.  It fits really well and I think it is a great work dress.  The pattern is fairly easy to put together.  The neck is faced and I didn't bother to line this one.

 
The pattern is simplicity 1586, an Amazing Fit pattern.  Because I am a C cup most patterns need a fba to fit.  The Amazing fit patterns are the lazy option as they come with a choice of B, C, D cups.

I cut a size 14 C cup , grading to a 12 at the waist and hips and the fit at the front was pretty much spot on.  I also really liked that the back had a choice of narrow, average or wide fit.  I have pretty narrow shoulders and so picked the narrow back.  There is still a little excess at the top and when I make this again I will take 5/8" from the top of the centre back.

To cope with my narrow shoulders I added 5/8 inch to the neck edge and took 5/8" from the top of the arm hole.

The sleeves are unusual, they have 3 darts which make the shape boxy.  I wasn't sure whether I liked these or not, but they have drown on me.

The fabric is fabulous.  It's stretch crepe; really comfortable and easy to sew.  A nice weight and I particularly love the teal colour.

The princess seams were great to put together and fitted well.  The back has a little vent for extra style and comfort.    This is really part of my autumn sewing.  I have a whole wardrobe planned based on a grey, black, teal, taupe and mustard colour scheme.

In my two week holiday I had a lovely trip to Manchester Art Gallery with my sewing friend Gary.

There was a fantastic exhibition, not big but really interesting on 50s Cotton Couture.  I loved so many of the dresses, and all made from cotton.

I would certainly recommend it for those of you who like vintage clothes.  Well that was summer, back to work now and almost ready for the start of the Autumn term!

Liberty Bruyere

A favourite pattern ..... check! ..... lovely liberty fabric ......check! ..... a week's holiday ...... check! and a new sewing friend ......

(Yes I treated myself to a Pfaff Ambition machine).  What's not to love? I had a lovely week making a shirt I really like.  This is my second Bruyere and I love the fit on me.  I hardly had to make any changes, just a little from the shoulder width (which makes about 1" in total).  The rest seems made for me. I cut a 42 at the bust grading to a 40 at the waist (I'm about 38" bust C cup and 28" waist and 37" hip).  I'm also high waisted (about 1" above average) and didn't make any adjustments, so the waist would be higher on most people. 

The two pleats on the front and the back give fullness but keep things flat in all the right places.

The fabric is Liberty Suzanna Tana Lawn.  I don't seem to be able to find this colourway anywhere now and I do love it.  I bought it from my favourite fabric shop Unique Image in Ulverston.  If you are a UK buyer, buying full-price Liberty and you want to support a small independent shop you can order your Liberty from Unique Image.  I used some matching Liberty plain grey.

The thing I am most proud of is the pattern matching at the yoke, yes this is two separate pieces of fabric (I made it bigger just so you can see!).  Sorry if I sound as if I'm bragging, but I'm just so proud of this.

I frenchseamed the insides (except for the sleeves) and so the insides are really pretty.

I've had Dan and his puppy Monty staying for almost a week  .... lovely.  I do miss him.

We watched films, walked all the dogs and there may have been cream teas in the sun.

Most of the time Monty was pretty bonkers (he's only 5th months), but there were some moments of peace (time for a haircut for Rosie I think).

 

The winner of the pattern giveaway is Shannon from Adventures of a Young Seamstress.  I been enjoying Shannon's blog since she started and she has made some fabulous clothes.  I'll look forward to seeing her versions of some of the patterns!  Are you having a sewing holiday?  Back to my Ginger jeans and to cutting out another Linton Chanel jacket.