Summer tops and a question

So lots of sewing and sewing related activities around here but as usual the photography part has been a hold up. It is rainy season here so lots of overcast skies and dark clouds so apologies in advance for some dodgy photos.

I whipped up a couple of quick summer tops. One is good, the other not so much. So let's start with the good.

Yes, you guessed right. It's another top version of V8805.

It is great for using up relatively small leftovers from other projects. Not much else to say about this really. I've made it several times before as dresses, tunics and tops.

Before this, I made a top version of KS2627. Which for some reason I cannot actually link to at the moment. Sorry.

Actually I first used this as a muslin for the Going Thai dress, then recut the bodice using KS2627 so that I could have a trial run of tulip sleeves. I used this excellent tutorial  from sewmanyseams.

It was surprisingly simple really.

I actually left more sleeve than is recommended but it still works ok. Although I did it 'properly' on my next make, a dress that deserves it's own post, and some decent photos, so hopefully that won't be too far away.

I don't actually like this top much. I actually only bothered finishing it because of the colour. It's maroon and we were going to a friend's place to watch the state of origin. (Didn't help QLD much obviously). Although I must admit the double fold bias binding, which I bought at my local fabric shop, is glorious to use. It is really soft cotton and just lovely so you may be seeing more of this in the future.

So now to the question. This is the first photo I took of this top.

Check out that colour! This was taken at the same time as the others in direct sunlight. Can cameras lose the ability to accurately show one particular colour? Because look at this

This fabric is cherry red.

I have spent two days trying to photograph it in varying light conditions and every time it comes out some shade of fuschia. I have been photographing other fabric at the same time, although different colours, with no problems. It seems that shades of red are the issue. Any ideas, hints, tips, suggestions?

Ok, I'm off to print off my free copy of the Style Arc Barb pants. Yes, I did say free! If you sign up for their newsletter they send you a free PDF of the Barb pants. Many thanks to The Clothing Engineer for letting us know about this. This is the place to get the low down on Style Arc patterns and see some really great sewing so do pop over and have a look.

Cheers everybody

Truly amazing handmade lace

This amazing fan is actually handmade lace and took over 13 years to make! Read the full story here.

Time flies and all that...

I really didn't realise how far behind schedule I was on a few things, nor how long it's been since I posted until just now. I swear that the older I get, and the more fun I'm having, the faster the time flies. Believe me when I was working in the Middle East time just dragged but ever since I've been back I turn around twice and a month has gone by.

Which is why this still isn't finished, even though I planned to make it in April.

It was actually coming along nicely... until I tried it on. Unfortunately, it is a bit too big. And also too long through the upper bodice - which is not an issue I've had before. Now with all the seaming it is a relatively simple task to make it smaller - although since I could probably lift it a couple of inches at the shoulder seams, that might require a little more thought.

But, and it is a big but, I am just not sure that it is me. I think it would have been me when I worked in universities but I work from home now and so I just don't think it is me anymore. I am also unsure about the whole fit and flare silhouette on me. I know that it is supposed to be flattering and show off the narrowest part of you but whilst my waist is technically my narrowest part (by actual measurement) it is proportionally speaking my largest part. And my hips are narrow (about 2 sizes smaller than my waist) and my bum is really flat so there is nothing to flare over. As much as I'm not terribly keen on the whole women as fruit system, maybe this is an apple thing? What do you think?

So it is sitting in a corner whilst I contemplate what to do with it. I am thinking of finishing it in its current size and giving it to my sister. I think it would probably fit her pretty much as is since she is taller than me and while our measurements are quite similar we are quite different shapes. Mmm will just have to think on it for a bit.....

So after this discovery, I thought I would whip up a quick floral skirt for week 2 of Project Sewn. Yes, I know it was ages ago. I reused my Lekala 5025 pattern that I used for my very much loved denim skirt using this fabric

I thought I would be able to use the border print to good effect. I also knew that pattern matching would be necessary/difficult/impossible. Yes, I did think all of those things:) So I cut it all in a single layer, paying close attention etc, etc. Spent ages making sure the pattern matched across the front pockets. All going swimmingly until I tried to attach the centre front panel to the two side front panels. I just could not make it match even vaguely. And I tried, believe me I tried. And then I realised that the only piece I didn't cut single was the centre front panel. I cut it on the fold and of course it was a little off. Maybe a lot off.

So it too is in the corner whilst I contemplate what to do with it. I have enough fabric left to recut the centre front panel. Or I also have some nice solid black textured cotton which would work well with this fabric. Which of course would be the much quicker option. And probably what I'll do, probably in the next day or so.

So after both of these less-than-fabulous sewing experiences I needed a definite win and I needed it fast. So I made H another pair of shorts. I used the same pattern as last time, which is probably about the only pattern I'll ever use for him since it fits perfectly straight off. You can read about the first (two) pairs I made here.

This pic is overexposed in an attempt to make something visible. This fabric is the most saturated black, which looks fab IRL but doesn't do photos. The topstitching is dark grey for some subtle styling.

I used the tutorial from Grainline Studios again for the fly and it came together with no problems.

Now I know that a lot is written about sewing for others but I really like sewing for H. He is really easy to fit and fairly easy to please. He is also really grateful and loves, and wears frequently, everything I have made for him. Which lets face it is actually only 3 pairs of shorts and a shirt.

I have some lovely linen stashed to make him another shirt. But I think I'll hang on to it for when I next need a quick fix.

What do you think about fit and flare? Are they for you? Are they for apples?