Sewing Blogger – Page 5 – Sew Do It Emma

What I love: January

Published on February 2, 2017 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

I’ve been finding so many things recently that I thought I might as well share them with you too! So much so, I’ve decided to do a monthly thing!

Ok so first up is the tailors’ ham and sausage! I didn’t realise how useful they are until I used them myself and further more I want to make a pair. So I found a pattern from Jennifer Lauren Vintage and now planning that into my projects!

Other sewing related items to make are pattern weights and a pin cushion! Ok, I’m torn between these macaron pattern weights and my own handmade ones! I could have both? You can never have enough pattern weights, can you?

So that’s a few more things I have to get on & make and I can’t wait to show you!

I’m loving the sound of the #monetaparty by @sewpositivity on Instagram. The Moneta pattern by Colette has been in my stash for yonks and it’s been a firm favourite since seeing so many vlogs featuring it.

One Vlog in particular, caught my attention and that was Gingerthread girl‘s version of Moneta. I’m definitely raising the waistline as I prefer a higher waist line and suit it. I’ve been tagged so I think it’s only right to join in with everyone! I’ve bought three bits of jersey for Moneta in mind – yes three.

Tilly and the Buttons book, “Love At First Stitch” is getting me all excited as the pictures and details for each project are simple to follow. I asked for the book for my birthday, which my lovely Bro bought for me! However, there will be a lot of grading up as the pattern size of a 20 ain’t going to fit around my hips! It’s one that I’m going to work through from the first project to the last. It’ll do me the world of good!

That being said I’ve already graded up Cleo and sewing that up as we speak (ok it’s not in LAFS but at least it’s one of my make nine 2017). Yes, I’m a bit slow to catch the Cleo train but I can’t wait to see how it turns out! There will be a post about this separately when it’s finished!

Editing my first vlog is taking way longer than expected but I am getting there and I am learning as I go – so all in all, it’s getting there.

I’m not loving the Anabelle dress at the moment as I’ve had to rip the seams a few times. And I think it’s way too small – eek & BOOOOO! I’m going to leave the LRD for a while as there are plenty of projects that I need to get on with AND FINISH.

So with January being over, it’s time to think what I’m going to be doing in February. I must start using my stash. So this month I’m going to rein in my splurges on fabric. I know I said that in January but there were too many sales going on and it got the better of me! February can be that month where I indulge in my stash (AND TRY AND NOT BUY ANYTHING) and really start using it as it’s starting to get to extreme levels!

Hope you’ve had a more productive January than I have!

Sewing: That Little Red Dress

Published on January 3, 2017 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

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With the run up to Christmas and so little time to do any sewing, I’ve not managed to even start on this dress. I’m sorry. I am quite disappointed.

I am intending to make it for my birthday night out, which is at the end of January. There should be more than enough time to do it for then. I have all the materials and decided on the pattern finally. I know, It’s like a month behind but better late than never!

All the dress reveals have been amazing. I’ve been trying to keep up with all the blogs/vlogs and Instagram reveal as they are released but I’m sure I’ve missed a few!

2017 is going to be there my sewing room will be put to use. I intend to also start a vlog and I’m looking into that as well. So you know that the reveal of #thelittlereddress will probably be aired on youtube! I’m super excited but also very nervous.

The Pattern

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This is the final decision as I’ve been indecisive when it came to patterns before now. This has been a firm favourite for a few weeks so it will be getting cut tonight (so no flippin changing my mind now!).

Because it’s labelled relaxed fit and I love the shoulder details, it’s “tea dress” skirt and the waistband (there are too many reasons why I shouldn’t change my mind now!) this pattern is rocking my world. I’ve got the material and all the notions, so I’m going to get cutting it tonight. I’ll give you an update as I go!

The Material

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Beautiful red satin from Edinburgh fabrics – you’ve seen this before in my last fabric haul post.

So there’s my plans for the little red dress/ birthday dress (see smart goals) … As I said, I’ll update you with proof that I’ve cut it out and pinned it!

See you soon!

Emma

Update 3/1/17

Pattern pieces cut out!

Sewing Stuff: December 2016

Published on December 16, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

Over the last couple of months, I’ve seen some things on the internet and instantly feel in love with them because they are sewing related.

I’ve decided to share them with you because, well it’s just nice to share isn’t it?

First up are these monthly sewing boxes …

https://www.mysewingbox.co.uk/collections/monthly-sewing-subscription-boxes-uk/products/one-off-deluxe-monthly-box-vintage-sewing-uk

There are full of goodies and can have a theme. They can be a one-off or a monthly thing too!

Photo courtesy of My Sewing Box

Next up are these rather cool wooden vintage bobbins from Pedlars …

https://www.pedlars.co.uk/shop/1940s-vintage-wooden-bobbins

Photo courtesy of Pedlars

As some you of you know, I love a good sewing book – what’s better than something to hold all these sewing books? Well, it’s of course, a sewing machine bookend!

Processed with MOLDIV — My growing sewing book collection!

https://www.wayfair.co.uk/Castleton-Home-Singer-Sewing-Machine-Shelf-Tidy-Bookends-12503-CCOO1857.html?source=hotdeals

custom_image — Photo Courtesy of Wayfair.co.uk

I didn’t know how useful these were for ironing out the darts until I used one at my class just recently! Found one similar to the teacher’s here –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leifheit-71816-Sleeve-Board/dp/B000B8J4CG

51fpu2jwyll-_ac_ul115_ — Photo Courtesy of Amazon.co.uk

Talking of ironing I intend to put an iron board up in my sewing room but lack space for a big one, so I’m going to get this wee one from IKEA!

screenshot-2016-12-16-08-45-51 — JÄLL, IKEA (£4) – Photo courtesy of Ikea

Now – sit down, this may bowl some of you over! Soap dish and sewing, surely not. Get a suction one, attach it to the side of your sewing machine and you can keep tabs on the seam ripper and fabric marker!

suction-cup-soap-dish-ideas_3093 — Photo courtesy of www.sewmanyways.blogspot.co.uk

Hope these have inspired you!

Disclaimer – All photos have credit to their sites. In no way was this sponsored. All opinions are of my own!

Sewing Adventures: Susie D Designs, Penicuik

Published on November 14, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

With being quite close to me and pretty easy to get to by car, I’m wondering why it actually took me until now to visit this cute little shop in Penicuik.

The ideal opportunity to pop by was one of the monthly “open days” but I was suspicious with my sat nav when it started to direct me further into more of a residential area than the high street. I stayed with the sat nav, which I’m glad I did as I arrived outside the shop with parking spaces to spare.

The open days look quite popular as there were a few ladies in buying fabric. It’s great to see offers too (20% off non sale fabric and selected tools) – before you ask I was straight in at the sale fabric but didn’t really spot anything for a dress making project. Instead, I went for an Art Gallery Fabric with a geometric print. I totally see a dress in this.

As well as art galley fabrics, Susie D also stocks Cloud 9, Dashwood Studio, Tilda, Micheal Miller and lots more!

There is also a small selection of wool with knitting and crocheting tools. With some haberdashery staples like buttons and machine needles there is a good choice of D-rings, wadding and much more.

Susie D runs classes as well. I’m intrigued as would love to make a bag. I spotted these patterns, but then thought I would (should) go to a class rather than purchase one and have it stored doing nothing as I’ve got lots of patterns doing exactly that! Don’t get me wrong – I probably will end up getting a couple as they look good, but I will do a class and see how things go!

I’m really liking the look of those patterns but I’m proud of myself for refraining myself!

I’ll definitely be going back as I’ve had a few itches to make a bag – especially a weekender. Also there a good range of fabric, even tho it’s normally used for patchwork or quilting it’s still cotton!

Susie D Designs has a Facebook page and a WordPress blog too! Do check them out!

Disclaimer: All images are my own. I got permission to take them. All opinions are my own.

Lessons: Fabric Focus

Published on October 30, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

Yeap, I’ve signed up for a block of lessons: Dressmaking for beginners at Fabric Focus, Edinburgh. Ok I’m no beginner but I’m no expert. I think confidence is the key but it’s always good to pick up tips and tricks for future projects and gain that extra confidence and experience to make a garment. I’d say I was a borderline novice. I’m happy to go at the class’s speed and not show off. Plus it’s always interesting to see what other sewers are using for both fabric and pattern! I’ve already noted a McCalls pattern which I like the look off! Yes, I AM A PATTERN MAGPIE!

Lesson one:

We were all sat down and guided through our hand outs. Abi introduced us to our surroundings and what we would cover in our classes.

There is a sheet for marking all your measurements in the handout, which will be handy for the project and for future ones too. Our task was to take our measurements and jot them down – Hips, upper hips, waist and bust are the important ones for this now as I’m making a simple shift dress, Well at least I’m hoping too!

Grading the pattern – my hips are wider than my waist, which is seriously annoying sometimes. Abi showed me how to do this for the front and then I did it for the back. We then all cut out our patterns according to our sizes.

Abi has sent us all home with strict instructions to pin the pattern pieces to the fabric for the next lesson. This includes ironing the pattern but absolutely NO CUTTING! I’m chomping at the bit, I will NOT CUT THE FABRIC!

Next class we will cut the fabric and start sewing!

I’ve chosen this beautiful Vintage blue cotton twill digitally printed fabric (see image below) from The Cloth Shop.

It’s a simplicity number for the pattern and it’s good value being the “easy-to-sew wardrobe elements” pack as I’m eyeing up the coat to do next.

I’m going with the “simple” shift dress (option C) for classes. I just want to be able to finish and wear it!

I’ll continue to update you with my lessons as I go to each one!

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!

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: 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

My Sewing Room

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

My sewing room needs to become functional and comfortable to use. It needs organising, so I can pull fabric and pattern out, yet put them back in their place when I’m done for the day. This “putting thing back” needs to become my ethos all over the house, but that’s another post for another time! And before Mr C quickly jumps in, I’ll change the subject!).

I’ve pulled a lot of ideas rather from Pinterest so “had to” create a mood board so I could scale down some ideas and think what I want from my SR.

Two tables would be useful, preferably the same as I join the together to cut out patterns and fabric. One would sit under the skylight as that would be ideal for using the naturally light, providing it’s not too bright to take photographs of my finish projects.

Before I get ahead of myself – the three main points that need to go into the sewing room are: atlier

shelving and lots of it!

a workspace to sew creations

and a seat!

I don’t want to spend a fortune so as you can see Ikea furniture it is and it’s the basic range as everything adds up very quickly!

The notice board will be handy for what project I’m currently working on and what the next few are. It should keep me focused. It will also a provide a place for all these business cards and fliers that I seem to collect!

I started this post 5 months ago but there have been some changes already and I can now share them!

The room has finally been painted and now shelving has been installed and is very quickly being filled up!

The desk is much bigger now and is now under the skylight for ultimate natural light!

My sewing space is still going through changes so don’t think these are final photos. I will post the final touches and a much tidier space very soon!

Do you have a sewing room? Do you have any tips on how to organise it? Have I missed anything, I’m sure I have!? Please feel free to comment below and give tips!

Canoodling with Chiffon

Published on April 19, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Seeing all these occasion dresses at work makes me wanna twirl in something elaborate, and I particularly like a bit of silk chiffon.

It’s lovely and floaty, but I’ve never worked with such delicate fabric. The thought of working with such gives me a slight buzz, I’m not quite such if it’s excitement or anxiety!

This post stems from looking at Pinterest and becoming inspired to make such a dress. After spotting a dress, I decided to make a Chiffon Board.

cc9fec96cbe22dcfe3b5e6d0b4610b2e — Above, is the dress that started the Chiffon trouble!

Above are a few of the Pins on my board.

You could say I’m a hoarder of projects and i’ll admit that, ~~I think~~ I know my Husband will say that on my behalf also! What can I say, I just can’t help myself.

My sewing room is in a mess so before I start on any projects it has to be organised and finished. Yes, still getting refurbed – it’s taking a lot longer than planned.

Oh, big news! I have a second job and it’s in a fabric shop … my life struggle with fabric, patterns and projects is only going to get worse!

For the time being I’ll be looking into patterns for the chiffon dress – if you know of any please comment in below and any tips would be appreciated!

Disclaimer: All Opinions are my own!

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