Modern Craft Project - Vote to help Megan Nielsen Patterns win!

There is currently a competition being held by Ketel One at Modern Craft Project and one of our pattern designers the lovely Megan Nielsen is a finalist.  The competition is about giving recognition to contemporary craftsmen who bring traditional skills into modern day. The winner will receive $100,000 to fund and build their business. This would be immensely helpful to the growth of Megan's business, Imagine all the awsome patterns, tutorials etc she could do with that! I urge you all to go and vote and support Megan to win!!

Minty Miz Mozelle

I recently snapped up some beautiful mint green silk fabric and while searching online for some inspiration ideas I stumbled across this dress from ASOS.

 

 

I immediately thought of Jamie Christina's Miz Mozelle Dress.

 It has many of the same design lines, only difference is the Miz Mozelle features a peter pan collar. I had never thought of this dress in a pastel shade like this but it suits the style perfectly. You could use a sheer chiffon and georgette and underline to get that beautiful floaty effect while retaining your modesty ;-) would be gorgeous for a daytime wedding.

Shop Update

Hi Guys,

just a quick update regarding our shipping rates, the cost of shipping will remain at $2 for a single pattern within Australia and $7 international but there will now be a charge of $1 per additional pattern. Express shipping within Australia can be arranged for an extra charge, please email me if you require this service.
I have tried to keep shipping rates down to the minimum to keep the costs as low as possible for my customers.

If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at sewknitcreate@yahoo.com

Nicole

Polka Dot Iris and a Jersey Banksia

Today I'd like to share with you a few of my recent sewing projects.

First up is my pair of Iris shorts from colette patterns made up in a polka dot stretch cotton from Tessuti which is sadly no longer available. I made up the size 4 with no pattern adjustments other than to omit the pockets. Because of the print i wanted a really clean line for these shorts. I am really happy with the finished product, they are comfortable, not too high in the waist ( a look i love but can get uncomfortable when driving around all day, or eating lol) or short in the leg. I will be making this one again.

I also had a go at making up the Banksia Blouse in a stretch fabric. I read Megan's post in the banksia sew-a-long and followed her super easy tutorial for modifying the pattern for stretch fabrics and followed her instructions for a stretchy neckband from the briar sewalong and drafted my own neckband. It turned out great a very professional finish that was super easy to do! if you haven't checked out Megan Nielsen's blog be sure to, she has so many fantastic tutorials and tips for making your sewing easier and getting a professional finish.

Like the Madewell Songbird Dress? Wanna make your own?

The Madewell "Songbird" dress is one of the brands most iconic styles and lucky for us girls who sew the classic style is super easy to replicate with minimal effort.

First grab yourself a copy of Colette Patterns Peony  dress. This style is nearly identical to the Songbird. The Peony features a bateau neckline rather than the round but this is easily altered should you wish ( if anyone would like me to do a tutorial please just ask!).

 

You can also alter the skirt to make it fuller if you wish, again this is a simple alteration. Put aside the skirt pattern piece and cut 2 rectangles both 2x waist measurement wide x desired length. Mark where you want your pockets to be ( you can use the pocket pattern piece from the peony dress) and attach as outlined in the peony instructions.

Stitch 3 rows of basting stitches along top of skirt piece, gather to fit bodice.

stitch skirt front and back together as outlined in peony pattern and voila you have your fuller skirt.

This dress is best made up in a mid weight cotton or wool. A chambray would look gorgeous and I love The striped version worn by Busy Phillips (pic below).

Pattern Spotlight ~ Banksia Bouse

Today I thought I show you The Banksia Blouse pattern from Megan Nielsen.

I'm sure many of you have already seen this beautiful little pattern. Whats so great about it is the multitude of ways you can alter the pattern.  You can easily change the style of the collar Megan Nielsen even has some great tutorials that show you how to do it, step by step which you can find here.  It also looks beautiful with a long sleeve and you can also lengthen it to make a banksia dress!

Don't be afraid to mix and match fabric for the shell and collar, I love the contrast of the print collar on Megan's shawl collar version pictured above.

The Banksia Blouse is available for purchase in the shop, you can find it here.
All pictures are courtesy of Megan Nielsen, visit her site here there are loads of awesome tutorials and tips and tricks, absolutely worth a look.