Christine Haynes Emery Dress Sew-a-long

Hi Guys,

Just a quick reminder about the sew-a-long Christine Haynes is hosting for the Emery Dress over at her blog.

It covers everything from fabric choice to pattern alteration and construction, and is perfect if you need a little extra help or just want to pick up some new tips and tricks.
Definitely go check it out! And if you need to purchase your pattern you can find it here!

Megan Nielsen Breakwater Collection

I'm pleased to let you know I have secured some of the patterns from Megan Nielsens Breakwater collection for the shop!

We have The Crescent Blouse, Eucalypt Tank and Cascade skirt, There is only limited stock so get in quick!

And just another update regarding the availability of Megan Nielsen patterns, Megan has had some issues with printers here in Australia and has been unable to reprint her paper patterns which is unfortunate. As far as stock availability goes what I have is it and at this stage I will not be able to restock the paper patterns. You are able to purchase most styles as a digital pdf download directly from Megan's website;
www.megannielsen.com

Colette Patterns - New shipment instore!

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update to let you know we are now back in stock with all the Colette Pattern range except for the Laurel Dress as it is unavailable until November :-(

I'm very excited about this as I have my fabric for the Zinnia skirt pre-washed and waiting!

What are you all sewing/have on your sewing list this spring?

New pattern from Colette

Colette Patterns latest release, The Zinnia Skirt was announced today. It's an extremely versatile pattern that can be made up in a variety of fabrics.

Version 1 has a below knee length, and closes with a placket and buttons up the front. The skirt is gathered to a waistband at the natural waist and includes pleated patch pockets.

Version 2 is shorter in length, with stitched-down pleats, belt loops, and in-seam pockets.

Version 3 is also pleated, but comes with instructions for lining, so it’s perfect for sheer fabrics like the chiffon shown here.


The possibilities are endless, but the thing that i love is all you need to fit is the waist!
We will have The Zinnia Pattern in store early to mid october and I will also be re-stocking the other patterns from the Colette range.

On another note I am curious about what you guys think of the way Colette are now releasing their patterns, as a single pattern at a time rather than a few at once which they had previously been doing??

Sewaholic Patterns Saltspring Dress now available!

We  have just received our stock of the Sewaholic Patterns latest offering, The Saltspring Dress pattern. There are two versions included in the pattern, a maxi length and a shorter above knee length. Perfect easy breezy dres for spring and summer, Get your pattern here

Introducing the new pattern from Sewaholic: The Saltspring Dress

Tasia from Sewaholic has done it again with another must sew/wear right now pattern.

The latest offering was released today and is called The Saltspring dress and is described as a breezy relaxed sundressed, perfect for hot summer nights and days at the beach.
It comes in two lengths, a full-length maxi dress and an above-knee length dress.
The point of difference is in the construction, the inner layer/lining is shorter than the outer which allows the blousiness at the waist to sit neatly and stay that way.

The Saltspring dress will be arriving in store @sewknitcreate in the next week I will announce it on the blog and facebook so keep your eyes peeled!

Billie Jean dress patterns now instore!

The first pattern from Bluegingerdoll, The Billie Jean dress has arrived at sew knit create headquarters and is available for purchase!
You can get your hands on your copy here rrp is $22 aud.

Bluegingerdoll Billie Jean Dress now available for pre-order

I am very pleased to announce the pre-sale for Bluegingerdoll's first pattern, The Billie Jean dress has begun!
I will have a limited amount of stock to begin with so dont miss out and pre-order your copy today!

I have started making my first Billie Jean and I have to say the neckline on this dress is just gorgeous and super flattering! Stay tuned for the finished product and pattern review

L'ucello Vintage Haberdashery - now available online

L'ucello a fantastic little store in Melbourne stocking beautiful vintage haberdashery, craft supplies and lovely fabrics has opened an online store YAY!

Vintage velvet ribbon

Even if vintage is not really your thing I guarantee you will find something you want there, they have a great range! I think using something vintage in your projects just adds that little something extra special.

 

 Bunny Buttons, how cute can you get?

Beautiful vintage trim

If you are in Melbourne and would like to visit the store you can find it at:

2nd Floor 37 Swanston Street Melbourne
On the corner of Flinders Lane, enter via Cathedral Arcade.

*all pictures used are from www.lucello.com.au

Interview with Abby Horskins the woman behind Bluegingerdoll Patterns

I am pleased to announce The Sew Knit Create shop will be stocking the first sewing pattern, The Billie Jean dress from a new pattern company Bluegingerdoll Patterns. Designed by the very talented and lovely Abby Horskins who was kind enough to answer a few questions for me about how her little company came about, inspirations and plans for the future. This is my first ever interview here on Sew Knit Create and I have to say I am very excited!!

1.  Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you became interested in sewing?

My mum was a great seamstress, making all of mine and my siblings clothes when we were little,but  high school was my first sewing experience of actually making something on my own, and to be honest i  didn't take to it at all - it may have been a combination of a boring teacher and the making of a felt football and pink tracksuit pants, really  weren't all that inspiring. I didn't really start addictivly  sewing until my mid  twenties,  and have been sewing at least something nearly every day since.  I became  totally inspired at the idea that sewing was much more than felt footballs and pink tracksuit pants, and there was a whole world of sewing for me to explore and to be totally creative.

2. What was your inspiration for the Billie Jean pattern?

     Billie Jean was inspired and influenced by the classic designs of the 50s. I  just really wanted to create a timeless dress pattern  that was relatively straight forward to sew, with  a classic and flattering bodice and skirt  design that were feminine and able to take you to weddings, parties, dinner etc as well as just being glamorous day to day.

3. Billie Jean  is definitely a vintage inspired style , is this what we can expect from future patterns?

Future Bluegingerdoll patterns will definitely  also be vintage inspired, with hints from the  40s and 50s.

4. Who/what/where do you look to for, for   style and design inspiration?

     Mainly my inspiration comes from the vintage eras of the  40s and  50s, but i also find inspiration  in fabrics  i come across, everyday life, old Hollywood movie stars such as  Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Ava Gardner and also an inspiration, for their  style, grace and femininity.

5. Where do you envisage Bluegingerdoll Patterns going in the future? World domination perhaps? 

   World domination would be awesome!!!  But i would be completely happy with  seeing Bluegingerdoll  sewing patterns  being enjoyed and  sewn up by talented seamstress around the world. And continuing on with designing classic and flattering vintage inspired sewing patterns, for the glamourous side in all us gals.

 So there you have it. The Billie Jean pattern will be instore mid to late June I will post when stock arrives so you can snap up your copy!

  Here are some more pics of the Billie Jean dress to inspire you

Burda #107 c aka The Audrey Trousers

I think that along with a white button down shirt black crop trousers are always on the list of items all women should have in their wardrobes and rightly so..

I used to have several pairs of black trousers that once I became a stay at home mum went in the bin, I was sick of the sight of them! However I always reserve the right to change my mind and simple black trousers have a place in my life once more! Pictures of the eternally chic Audrey Hepburn have re-inspired me.
I wanted something the had a bit of a nod to menswear and finally settled on the Burda #107c ankle trousers and made them up using a wool suiting that is awesome, doesn't crease at all!
I didnt make any alterations at all! not one! and the fit is pretty good! ( Please excuse the i-phone selfie my photograher was at work and I really wanted to post!)

It was also my first time with a fly zipper insertion and I couldn't have figured it out without the help of this awesome tutorial from lladybird which you can find here. The burda instructions were quite vague and not much help. I have done several fly zip insertions since and once you figure out what goes where its quite simple and a nice professional finish. I love the fit of these trousers and would like to make them again.

Colette Patterns sale extended

Just a quick update, I have decided to extend the 15% off sale on the Colette Pattern range for another week. So you have until this Sunday 19/5/13 to get your 15% off its while stocks last so get in quick!

Dont forget.... 15% off Colette Patterns

Dont forget 15% off the entire range of Colette Patterns, stock is selling fast so get in quick.
Sale ends this Sunday 13/5/13.

( Peony Dress )

( Ginger skirt and Violet Blouse )

( Parfait Dress )

15% OFF COLETTE PATTERNS

We are having a sale on ALL Colette Patterns over at the shop, dont walk RUN!
Sale ends this Sunday 12/5/13 aest.

Gorgeous version of Colette Patterns Peony Dress

Have you guys come across Ami's blog www.sewinglondon.co.uk? if not jump over and check it out she makes the most gorgeous things and is very clever with her pattern alterations. Today her beautiful version of Colette patterns Peony Dress popped up in my news feed.

( photo from www.sewinglondon.co.uk)

Seriously how beautiful is this dress??? I love the subtle nod to '60's style, without looking costumey.

This could even be a great option for a non-tradtional bride.

Ami made quite a few alterations, and after reading several pattern reviews this is not uncommon, so make a muslin for this one peeps. You can read Ami's full post here.

Parcels from Paris

I recently decided to treat myself to a couple of the Deer and Doe sewing patterns.
Created by Elanore from France the designs are sweet and feminine with a retro feel. I have seen so many lovely versions of all the patterns it was very hard to choose. I ended up going with the Bleuet Dress dress, which is a shirt dress and the Belladone Dress a gorgeous 60's style dress with a back cut-out.

I was very excited when I checked the post today and found my parcel had arrived ( I love getting parcels in the post, so much fun!)

Heres what the styles look like made up

 ( The Bleuet Dress )

 ( The Belladone Dress - Front )

( Belladone Dress - Back )

images courtesy of www.deer-and-doe.fr

I tried to order some for The Shop, sadly Elanore is supplying only bricks and mortar stores at this stage.

Next Project - Chambray Shirt

I love chambray.. It's soft and comfy to wear, goes with just about anything and in my opinion just gets better the more worn in it gets.

I recently found some cotton chambray at a really great price. It is actually really hard to find chambray fabric here in Australia I have no idea why that is?

Anyway I'm thinking of a classic button down shirt with collar and pockets, undecided as to whether it will have sleeves or not yet so we'll see.
I'm planning on using a vintage pattern I inherited from my mum, one of her patterns from the 70's. I have sewn it before and liked the fit so if it aint broke..

 Here are some of the images on my mood board

 

( photo via cupcakesandcashmere.com )

 

 

 

Flat fell seam tutorial

Flat felled seams are most commonly used on Jeans and heavier fabrics as it's a really strong seam finish. I have employed the technique for the project I'm working on which is using a light/mid weight denim fabric and doesn't really require a super strong seam, but I like the effect of the visible stitches as a design feature.

Flat felled seams can seem a bit tricky but are really quite simple to do.
First sew your two pieces of fabric RIGHT sides together with a 5/8" seam. Press open and trim one side down to 1/4".

Take the other side and fold in half so the raw edge is meeting the seam then fold again over the trimmed side so that all raw edges are enclosed, stitch close to the folded edge and press.

Voila! you have a flat fell seam.

DIY Wedding idea : Custom Cake topper

I was recently browsing the web when I came across Shona's blog and saw the gorgeous cake topper she made for her wedding.

Aren't they cute? I instantly thought of the Peg Doll Kit's in the shop. They are only $13.95 for a pack with two dolls. It's an easy and affordable way to add a personal and fun touch to your special day.

Shona used a tutorial from Going Sew Crazy with some changes. She used jewellery wire for the dolls arms ( included in kit) and winged the grooms suit.

All images are courtesy of www.shonastitches.blogspot.com

Big Thanks to Shona for allowing me to share them with you!

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Finished Garment : Jamie Christina Mission Maxi

I love this dress it is like wearing comfy pj's that look stylish.

This dress has been a total lifesaver for me, our mornings are quite hectic we have just one car at the moment which means for the first half of the week I have to drive my partner to work before doing the school run and between running errands, playdates, school pick up and picking up partner again in the evening its a lot of time spent in my car so my clothing needs to be crease free and comfy and I like to look nice so cool also, I think this version of Jamie Christina's Mission Maxi dress ticks all the boxes.

I used a viscose spandex jersey from Tessuti ( you can purchase here ) and cut in a size 6 with no alterations other than to shorten the hem ( all you tall ladies this pattern is drafted super long) cant remember how much by but it was quite a bit.
It came together very quickly I made this during my sons afternoon nap ( about 2-2.5 hrs) that includes the time it took to cut out. I will be making this one again no question. please excuse the grainy pics my camera has been playing up so I've resorted to i phone snaps in the meantime.

Finished Garment : Wiksten Tova Shirt

I recently made up the Wiksten Tova Shirt (which is currently sold out unfortunately but more stock arriving very soon!).  The pattern includes a longer dress length also but I just made the tunic length which falls to my lower hips halfway over my bottom ( I'm 5'7 so it generous in length)
The instructions are really well written and feature plenty of pictures to help you along the way. The pattern came together easily, I was a little concerned about the stand collar being tricky but it was a breeze!

 ( I'm making a weird face here, not sure what that's all about but the lighting is pretty good so I'm putting it up anyway)

I used a cotton voile from Tessuti's ( you can buy it here ) which was a good choice. I personally wouldn't use anything too heavy as you have a couple of layers to sew through with the collar.

I have been wearing this shirt loads as our weather cools down here and I would love to make another shirt, Plaid flannel would be nice I also like the idea of a white/cream crepe de chine too!

New Megan Nielsen Maternity Collection Lookbook

Megan Nielsen recently released a new lookbook showcasing her Maternity patterns.
Many of the designs can be worn after pregnancy as they are also suitable for nursing too!

The styling of the garments is really fresh and fun dont you think?
All patterns are designed for knit fabrics which is great for maximum comfort and wearability during pregnancy.
All patterns are available in The Shop.