Selfish Sewing Week for the time poor

This week I had high hopes for sewing myself some Wintery clothes... So far my count stands at 2. 

 I made this very simple Washi dress out of cotton lawn I got for $2.99m. I used a contrasting black and white japanese lawn as visible bias and decided to make it without any linings etc so it was a very quick sew.

 I have some gorgeous Cloud 9 organic cotton picked out to make myself a long sleeve Washi dress to wear in Winter to work. Cannot wait to see how it comes together.

After coming across some Cloud 9 fabric for only $9.99 at Spotlight I HAD to get a whole lot. Mostly I sew to sell and only use clearance fabrics and the like for me. I decided to spoil myself this week though and make myself some baggy, comfy, silky soft organic lounge pants.

Thanks for reading! Hopefully this weekend I finish my Winter Washi dress and Alder skirt I am pattern testing for Imagine Gnats.

My Philippines adventure

 I have just returned home from time in the Philippines. My partner and I travelled for over 20 hours to get to there and in that time we stopped over at Changi Airport, Singapore. There was lots to do and we had a nice time (even though we were beyond sore and tired). We also got $80 in free Changi Vouchers - Thank you Changi!

First view of the Philippines

 How to start a coconut tree. 

 Another travelling washi top.

 5 of us fit onto/into this to ride cross country up a mountain. My most authentic Philippines experience.

 After this cutie got over the fact I was white, I was not so scary. 

 There are no blue skies in the Philippines. 

 Jeepneys are everywhere.

 We visited Hundred Islands.

 And found Nemo. 

 This puppy came everywhere with us.

 Ocean Adventure, Subic

 Incredible African Acrobats.

Fishy seal kisses. 

 On our way home we stopped at Changi in Singapore again and got fish spas. 

The only thing more beautiful then watching the sun set from an airplane is watching the moon and the stars from above the clouds. 

What I have been sewing for me lately.

I moved on from the base washi dress with its elastic/shirring in the back to make one with a zipper. I wanted a dress that would look a bit more dressy so I altered it into a fitted bodice.

Other changes included extending the bodice by about 4" and a fully lined bodice. 

Not bad for a first attempt but I didn't really have enough of this blue fabric to make the skirt properly. I also made the mistake of finishing the zipper at the end of the bodice - I had to unpick the skirt and zipper and skirt seam to extend the zip by another 2" or so inches. It does now fit well and is comfortable - so it is a good summer dress or maybe over leggings in Winter.

The Wiksten tank is always on my sewing table - I have one cut out ready to go always. It is just so quick and easy.

After seeing this version of the Washi Dress expansion pack I really wanted to try it out. Here is my first attempt at view C (with the above mentioned alterations). 

The verdict: I love the sleeves. Really it is a nice touch. The collar, not so much. It makes the dress feel more like a uniform then a dress. I will give this another go though using the regular washi method (elastic encasing instead of shirring) with only the sleeves and not the collar.

Linking up HERE today.