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

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

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!
Hopefully perfect pleats 😳

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.

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. 

oh Sophia, please stay together!

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!

Glistening gold

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! 

Dancing in Damson
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