Latest Make ~ Tessuti Suzy Pants and Grainline Studio Archer Shirt

For those of you who follow my Instagram, you may have seen a picture of this pop up over the weekend here's a rundown of the patterns used, fabric and my thoughts.

The pants are Tessuti Fabrics Suzy Pants. Another excellent pattern from Tessuti that like their stores and service I could praise all day.
I cut a size small and like the Esther Shorts it was spot on, I also think the relaxed fit of these helped.
The only changes I made were to the waistband. I personally wasn't keen on the elastic at the top of the band so I used same pattern piece but cut two to create a facing and inserted wide elastic all the way through and then used a very small zig-zag stitch to stitch two lines of stitching over the top ( does that make sense?).  This gave a more rtw look but also is more flattering for shorter length tops or tucked in tops, again this is in my opinion.
  I love the fit of these pants, I was very hesitant of this style for some time as like a lot of women my bottom and thighs are my widest spots and I just didn't think they would be flattering and I also couldn't get the mental pic of MC Hammer ( or the song) out of my head but the soft fabric and pleats flow nicely over those areas and don't seem to accentuate.

The fabric is a polyester, which I NEVER buy but I loved this print and I had to have it polyester or not and I was actually pleasantly surprised. It has a lovely feel and isn't too sticky or hot to wear. I was also quite nice to sew with to too slippery. I purchased it from Anna Ka Bazaar online store which is based in Paris ( hey if I cant get there I can still shop from there ) and has since sold out but they have some really gorgeous fabrics and fantastic service check them out.

The shirt I am ashamed to say I made over a year ago and never blogged. It's the much loved ( and for good reason) Archer shirt. This was my first Archer and I honestly never though I would make a professional looking button down shirt.

 This pattern is superbly drafted and between the instructions and sew-a-long posts on the Grainline studio blog you simply cannot go wrong. I made zero changes as this was the first time I had used pattern but I wish I had made a little longer.

 The fabric is a chambray from Tessuti that I should have purchased an entire roll of because it's amazing. I wear this shirt nearly every week and love it, chambray is like black it goes with everything :-)

Latest Make ~ Tessuti's Esther Shorts

I loved these shorts from the instant I saw them on my news feed, in fact I loved them so much I did a shameless copycat and made mine exactly the same as Tessuti's sample. I have always loved Hawaiian prints and can I tell you finding a nice natural fibre fabric with a pretty Hawaiian print is nearly impossible which is why I snapped this fabric up. I believe the black colourway is sold out online but think they may still have it in navy and cream colourways.

The pattern is a high waist vintage style cut with back darts and the side seams are slightly to the front which is very flattering. Tessuti describe this pattern as being super-simple to sew and I couldn't agree more. I made these up in an hour including cutting out and marking. I made this up in a straight size 10 no changes and the fit was spot on, I have NEVER made a pair of high waist shorts that fit me both at waist and hips so I was very pleased. I have since made a pair in black linen which is not as fun as the Hawaiian print but very handy addition to my spring/summer wardrobe.

If you are after a cute pair of shorts for summer definitely give this pattern a try!

Burda #107 c aka The Audrey Trousers

I think that along with a white button down shirt black crop trousers are always on the list of items all women should have in their wardrobes and rightly so..

I used to have several pairs of black trousers that once I became a stay at home mum went in the bin, I was sick of the sight of them! However I always reserve the right to change my mind and simple black trousers have a place in my life once more! Pictures of the eternally chic Audrey Hepburn have re-inspired me.
I wanted something the had a bit of a nod to menswear and finally settled on the Burda #107c ankle trousers and made them up using a wool suiting that is awesome, doesn't crease at all!
I didnt make any alterations at all! not one! and the fit is pretty good! ( Please excuse the i-phone selfie my photograher was at work and I really wanted to post!)

It was also my first time with a fly zipper insertion and I couldn't have figured it out without the help of this awesome tutorial from lladybird which you can find here. The burda instructions were quite vague and not much help. I have done several fly zip insertions since and once you figure out what goes where its quite simple and a nice professional finish. I love the fit of these trousers and would like to make them again.

Finished Garment : Jamie Christina Mission Maxi

I love this dress it is like wearing comfy pj's that look stylish.

This dress has been a total lifesaver for me, our mornings are quite hectic we have just one car at the moment which means for the first half of the week I have to drive my partner to work before doing the school run and between running errands, playdates, school pick up and picking up partner again in the evening its a lot of time spent in my car so my clothing needs to be crease free and comfy and I like to look nice so cool also, I think this version of Jamie Christina's Mission Maxi dress ticks all the boxes.

I used a viscose spandex jersey from Tessuti ( you can purchase here ) and cut in a size 6 with no alterations other than to shorten the hem ( all you tall ladies this pattern is drafted super long) cant remember how much by but it was quite a bit.
It came together very quickly I made this during my sons afternoon nap ( about 2-2.5 hrs) that includes the time it took to cut out. I will be making this one again no question. please excuse the grainy pics my camera has been playing up so I've resorted to i phone snaps in the meantime.

Finished Garment : Wiksten Tova Shirt

I recently made up the Wiksten Tova Shirt (which is currently sold out unfortunately but more stock arriving very soon!).  The pattern includes a longer dress length also but I just made the tunic length which falls to my lower hips halfway over my bottom ( I'm 5'7 so it generous in length)
The instructions are really well written and feature plenty of pictures to help you along the way. The pattern came together easily, I was a little concerned about the stand collar being tricky but it was a breeze!

 ( I'm making a weird face here, not sure what that's all about but the lighting is pretty good so I'm putting it up anyway)

I used a cotton voile from Tessuti's ( you can buy it here ) which was a good choice. I personally wouldn't use anything too heavy as you have a couple of layers to sew through with the collar.

I have been wearing this shirt loads as our weather cools down here and I would love to make another shirt, Plaid flannel would be nice I also like the idea of a white/cream crepe de chine too!

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.