Sew Do It Emma

The Little Red Dress Project: Inspiration & Research (1 of 4)

Published on October 29, 2016October 29, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

So I’m scrolling through my instagram feed and there’s this image of a lady wearing a little red dress with @runningwithstyle ‘s handle and a hashtag #thelittlereddressproject and I’m immediately intrigued. And before I question it, I’ve signed up – eeeeeeek!

Why on earth would I go for red? It’s not a colour I would normally opt to wear but it’s probably because I’ve haven’t found that perfect red shade. Well now’s the time to change that then! Positive thinking and all that jazz.

So the dear old Pinterest came out and I’ve made a board … yes another board of umpteen ideas of ooooohsss and ahhhhhhssss!

The biggest problem at the moment is choosing the pattern. I have a love affair with the Butterick 5748 as I’ve made a emerald number (which needs hemmed) a navy number (a tad more work) and a summer number (skirt bit done) – there is a pattern with the 5748 pattern and I’m determined not to not finish the red dress. It’s a great challlenge, so why would I not want to finish it?!! It’s a stunner of a dress but there a few other contenders …

Summer colours here with a contrast purple for the top part

Next pattern – contrast to go there or not to go there? I’ve not worked with lace before, like ever. So is this the challenge to do such a thing? So I’d love to do something in lace but I might just hold my horses and do a simple number!

Ooooh nice contrast with Butterick’s 6280

Cotton stretch sateen from Remnant Kings

I’m still floating back to a cotton stretch sateen. Perhaps because I’ve worked with it before. I would love to add a black edging to give the dress an extra element but I’ll see how I cope!

Then it’s actually hunting down a red that I would like to work with and wear. I’m going to troll the local fabric shops in November as I’m off for a week then. I’ll also order a few samples from online fabric shops and then I’ll decide from there. I’ve not came across much online though … it’s quite meeeeh. I’m thinking of going for a wine red but if forced to do a red like in the image above, I will.

Patterns, patterns, patterns … I’ve still not homed into my final choice but here’s just a few of my options …

Another easy option with red drawing me in towards the dress!

Another lace option with B ? I don’t make it easy for myself, do I?

I’m liking this option C – it floats but I think it’s too long for a LRD?

Something cute for the back detail with option C!

I love C – but is it because of the Red?!

It would have to be C or D for this one!

That’s all for the moment but I will give you an update on my final choice!

#SewScottish – let’s meetup!

Published on October 23, 2016October 24, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

The last 24 hours have been whirlwind but it’s all good.

Here’s the thing, both Lesley (sew_sleep_deprived) and I know that there are fantastic sewing blogger meet ups south of the border but we’ve yet to see anything in our bonnie land. As Lesley mentioned, Leeds meet up and The Fold Line are now well and truly established.

We are both excited to start something off in Edinburgh with fellow sewing bloggers.

scotlandsewingbloggers — Come on all you budding #ScottishSewingBloggers!

I’ve got a great feeling about meeting #scottishsewingbloggers and talk all things #sewing over cake and your chosen cuppa!

How could you turn down cake and sewing talk?

Come on, let’s embrace this as it would great to exchange tips, news, hidden gems and also celebrate our talents!
Both Lesley and Myself are open to suggestions, so please contact us!

Would a WordPress site be a good place to start as a central base for meetings and chat?

Meanwhile please spread the word by using the hashtags below and #sewing #scottishsewingbloggers #meeting and of course, #sewscottish !

The Big Day is Sunday 27th November. The venue is yet to be finalised, but at least we have a date! All you need to be is a sewer, be it novice, beginner, intermediate or professional and have a current sewing blog!

I’m hoping we can build a community just like Leeds and The Fold Line but have our own niche!

Super excited to meet all you lovely Scottish Sewing Bloggers!

Sewing Adventures – Biggar Stitches, Biggar

Published on October 5, 2016October 14, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Situated in the Scottish Borders, in a not so sleepy town is a little haven of craft fabric galore. It’s a little gem for patch workers, quilters and dressmakers alike and It’s definitely going to be an addition on my “fabric shop” page.

I’d been looking at the website for a wee while now – then today I had a couple of hours to spare, so I hit the nail on the head and just went for it. I jumped in the car and headed down to Biggar Stitches.

Biggar Stitches is situated just off the High Street. Between Spar and Ladbrokes there is a close, follow through and you shall find the wee gem. There’s plenty of parking on the high street too.

Fabric & sewing accessories galore – just marvellous!

I wonder if you can have fabric dreams if you lay your head down for short while …

This is being added to my shopping list for my next trip!

Craft Fabrics can be also used for dress making as they are 100% cotton!

It was a beauty of a day to drive down through the Scottish Borders.

What I bought – a few bargains from the sale bolts (still gorgeous craft cotton).

Fabric – Brown and Pink, enough to make a dress, Blue flower fabric, will be a skirt and the small triangles are fat quarters for my FQ Stash! I couldn’t not help myself and buy the print by local Custom Vinyl Decals.

Travelling by car – it took me about 40 mins from Bonnyrigg.

By bus – Stagecoach 101&102 from Edinburgh City Centre (Bus Station). I think the bus stop is very close to the shop, but don’t quote me on that please!
Disclaimer: All views are my own And I had permission to take photos inside the shop!

Sewing: Sequin Time with Simple Sew’s – #017 Sophia (Update 3 of 4)

Published on October 3, 2016October 24, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

When I decided to cut out the sequin fabric with my rotary blade I had no idea how tough it was going to be, but that didn’t stop me from doing just that! Actually was that wise?

I did it. But I’m sure my rotary blades will now a) need a sharpen with tin foil or b) need a new blade. Oh well – a lesson learnt there.

Talking of rotary blades I may be purchasing a new one for ease of use. Spotted a fiskars blade that looks a little less fiddly in Biggar Stitches!

So after cutting out the front and back of the top I then pinned it all together and tried it on. I knew that I had to put darts in because I made up a toile earlier, so I did just that and then had to get my mum to straighten then up whilst I wore it!

Now I just wished I removed the sequins along the seams to ease the job for my machine (I’m sure it felt pain when stitching the sequins – I did).

Sewing the sequins was nerve racking (my first time doing sequins). My Brother did the job, the top does need a press as the darts haven’t got the finesse finish I wanted.

I’m glad I added the lining – less jaggy!

Time is running out and rather get into a state like below, I’ve opted to wear a “bought dress” – fear not the dress will be completed for Christmas and worn then!

Trying the homemade garment on was a near death experience as the pins scratched my arm – ok, maybe not near death but still, beady sore!

The backup garment: Katya Kimono Wrap Dress

At this point, the top needs hemmed and finished off. The skirt still needs the waistband on (which itself needs interfacing applied!! (Note to self: you need to buy blinkin’ interfacing!!)), zip applied, possibly now lined and then hemmed.

The final update should contain a picture of me wearing it! Watch this space!

Happy Sewing!

Some places I went to online for advice:

http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/sequin-savvy

Sewing: Great little chart!

Published on September 21, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Pinterest is fascinating and very addictive! I often find myself pinning loads to my boards and creating new boards to try and keep organised – ha (laughing at myself on this one)!

This morning I found this great little chart via Take Lessons and thought I’d share it with you all!

There is also a free printable for your sewing space too!

Seamwork: Why I love it.

Published on September 17, 2016September 17, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Colette has always been a firm favourite for patterns which me and as you should all know by now I am a sucker for patterns. Learning that they go that extra bit is quite exciting and since I have signed up for a subscription to Seamwork I’ve been reaping the rewards.

Processed with MOLDIV — Sucker for patterns, like I said!

Every month I get two credits to spend on 2 patterns from the Seamwork library and on top of that I get top tips, articles, techniques and creative ideas into my inbox!

I’ve got quite a collection now, but I’m eager to start on the ‘Akita’ as I have two pieces of fabric that fit the bill. But more on that, once I have finished the Sophia Top & Skirt! I just love Akita!

Most of the top tips have proven quite useful have helped me in my sewing adventures!

I’m also signed up to Snippets with Colette and get regular updates and tips via email – they are just great and spur me on with my creative juice – like I need any more juice.

I have a referral link if you would like to join, that way you get your first month 1/2 price – we all win!

I’m not being sponsored but any company or anyone – just trying to share the sewing love!

On that note of patterns – I am trying to have an online database of all my patterns to date! I’m currently noting all of them down and then I will input them into a spreadsheet and I can then access it via drop box – go me!

Have a nice day.

Sewing: Tuille Time with the Simple Sew “Sophia”(Update 2 of 4)

Published on September 12, 2016September 12, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

On the last update, I mentioned that I had graded the pattern up following a couple of resources online, which I did but then I back tracked and went for the biggest size on the pattern as they said they were the sizes are quite roomy.

The skirt has worked out rather quite well with pleats too. Fairly chuffed with myself considering it was probably quite foolish and risky to do so.

On reflection, I may add 1/2 inch to all sides just to give a little room for that wedding breakfast!

I like the length, it’s ideal as it will show off the shoes I intend to wear and I won’t (hopefully I won’t) trip up running (ahem I mean dancing 😂😂😂) around in the Ceilidh!

Like I said in update one, the top should be fine, in fact, it isn’t – as it back needs altering as the fabric catches. I also need darts either side of the front bodice. It also needs an inch to have that hanging effect the pattern shows! Argh!

Here’s me thinking it would be a breeze, yeah right ..

It doesn’t look too bad from this angle!

I’m going to have to amend the top somehow, better get cracking!

And so I did amend the top by going back to the pattern and adding 2cms to the seam. There is a lot less scrunching up at the back and I feel I can actually breathe in it 😁

High five to me!

A lot less scrunching now and it should lie better in the sequin fabric!

Grinning like a Cheshire cat – still need darts!

I will let you all know how it all goes in Update 3 – cutting the real fabric!!

Oh the funny thing is that my husband thought I was wearing this tuille to the actual wedding – EH NO!! I had to give my reason to why I wasn’t wearing white to the wedding of my closest friends’!

Online Resources used to figure out how to grade up these sneaky pleats:

How to Grade the Kelly Skirt

http://www.jenniferlaurenvintage.com/2014/09/the-dalloway-pattern-grading-hips.html

How to Grade a Pattern Up: The Easy Way

Sewing: Simple Sew – #017 Sophia (Update 1 of 4)

Published on September 5, 2016September 5, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

Well I knew in my head that I would have to grade up the skirt of Sophia for sure. The Pleats were moved as well so they hopefully should sit perfectly. Giving myself a high for staying sane on that one! Thanks Mum!

The instructions of the Sophia say to make a muslin toile before cutting any fabric, which I will do because I want to see where these pleats will lie now that I’ve moved them and added inches onto each edge.

For sure I will be following this instruction!

I remember doing some grading up for the green Butterick Dress and it seemed to be a tad easier, not only no pleats but the tutor on the class did most of the mathematical bits!!
The top of Sophia should be ok but I’m still going to make a toile, just to be sure! Haven’t adding any extra outwards but may add for length like Red W Sews did for hers but I will see what it’s like in toile form!

I’ll update you as soon as I have done the toile!

Sewing: Simple Sew -#017 Sophia.

Published on September 3, 2016September 4, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca3 Comments

The pattern spoke to me as soon as I received it with the Love Sewing magazine. It’s so simple and ticks the boxes for a friends’ wedding, which is in four weeks time. Yes, I aim to make this top and skirt set in under 4 weeks and not have a nervous breakdown! I’m told it can be done. I’m just hoping at the end of a Ceilidh I will still be dressed!

The Pattern

The pattern is the 2 in 1 Sophia Top & Skirt #017 by Simple Sew.

The Fabric

I’ve the had fabric for a wee while as I had a vision of the finished garment in my head and I have a sneaky feeling it might be because I actually saw the colour combination in the magazine.

For the top fabric, I’m going to go with this sequin gold fabric from John Lewis. I’m intending to make the top slightly longer just to suit myself. It has some stretch so I’m planning to set up the overlocker for the first time ever and stitch the edges!

The skirt will be made using the lovely Damson Stretch cotton from the Cloth Spot.

Notice I tucked a little fasinator in the same photo. Not sure if this would look too much but it was a wee bargain in the sales! And also my hair situation is still yet to be finalised … Another drama!

I’ve also lining too, even though the pattern states no lining I think it would be a better finish if it were lined.

So here goes … And I will update on a weekly basis as the dress (hopefully) comes together!

But before I head off into fabric dreams I would like to say a big thanks to RedWSews as she gave loads of tips via Instagram and her blog post documenting her Sophia, puts me at ease!

Over and out x

My Sewing Room: Organise organise organise!

Published on August 15, 2016August 14, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Well after sorting out all my pieces of fabric onto boards, it’s now time to label them so I can pick them out quickly.

I popped into one of my home bargain stores and picked up these labels. I’ll stick the self-adhesive ones onto the luggage labels. And then with a black marker I will write my code letters P M F – pattern (if the fabric has one allocated, but most of them do), meterage (how much fabric is on the board) and fabric (is it cotton, viscose, wool, jersey, etc).

Next, we have my pattern collection. It’s really expanded over the year quite drastically! I’m blaming these pattern sales!

I had already organised the into categories: skirts, trousers, dresses, combos etc but then when I was doing dividers, it was much simpler to do them by the pattern house name (vogue, new look, simplicity, grainline studio, sew over it, simple sew and the list could go on and on!).

With the reminder of the boards, I took 1.5cm from the top of the board and made two marks. Then I drew a line and then wrote a pattern name.

They work a treat as they fit in my white shoe box file system for the patterns and I can hunt quickly for them too!

I think I’m going to have to have a P.A to keep this system intact 😀

Until next time and remember – Measure twice, Cut once!

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