Imagine Gnats JUBA SHORTS!

I was so excited when Rachael of Imagine Gnats said I could test her new Juba Shorts pattern. For those who do not know Rachael, you really should check out her blog and instagram. She rocks the coolest blue hair and is beyond lovely and very funny (Plus she has lots of gnats dogs and cats).

 Okay now onto the pattern. It is a flat front elastic in the back basic adult shorts pattern. The pattern includes options for a draw string as well - I made mine plain though. These would be really easy to customise with pockets, belt loops, cuffs etc. 

Honestly the pattern was so EASY. Like really properly easy to put together and to sew. I would definitely recommend it as a solid staple. Great for loungewear, pajamas *as pictured below in a long version*, even with some altering for work. I envision making some in a black linen or a chambray with pockets, belt loops and cuffs and wearing them to work in the Summer!

Go get your copy today here http://imaginegnats.com/shop/juba-shorts-men-women/ and check out some other examples by following the hashtag #jubashorts on instagram. 

March update

 

 This week I had a mini photo shoot with my favourite little model. I will include more photos another time - but for now enjoy the cuteness!

 For the shoot I sewed up the following patterns: Peekaboo Pattern shop's Gentleman's jacket (above),

 2 geranium dresses (above and pink dress 2 below),

 Long bodice with a zipper dress of my own pattern,

Straightgrain's bubble dress pattern and some unrelated sewing....

Some gorgeous little newborn baby pants (pattern by Brindille and Twig and review coming soon)...

Because this week I became an aunty again! I am so in love with this beautiful little soul. I was lucky enough to get some good long cuddles in last weekend. She is such a perfect little person. Her big sister seems pleased and stops to kiss and stroke her new little friend. 

Wiksten Tank - sewing for me.

Wiksten Tank

I have admired this pattern since I saw it here and here and almost everywhere else in blogland.

It took me several tries to get it right but I feel pretty confident I have mastered the Wiksten now!

The pattern itself is very easy, only 2 pieces to cut, front and back. Following many other bloggers advice I took an inch out of the back and raised the front by an inch. The fit on me needed a lot of adjusting as my bust and my hips do not fit the same size.

It finishes beautifully with french seams and bias tape.

(I do not really like to have my photograph taken, so this is the best you get)

 Bias Detail

 French seam detail

Lined up pocket detail

These are some of my earlier, less perfect attempts at the Wilksten tank.

Pattern: Wiksten Tank
Size: Modified S/M
Fabric: Japanese printed cotton lawn from Spotlight
Modifications: I made this one about 3" longer then the pattern so that I could wear it over leggings in the 'in-between-seasons'. I also used store bought bias tape for the arms and neck holes.

Now that I am confident with this one I will be selling them here and here.

Till next time :)

Hooded Jacket pattern review

Finally getting some sewing other then underwear done.

This week I sewed up Whimsy Couture's Hooded Jacket. I have been eyeing it off for a while and bought the fabric for it weeks ago. 

The pattern pieces print on only 16 pages - which is fantastic for PDF patterns.

I sewed up a size 3. From printing to having it sewn up it took about 2 hours. I waited and did the buttons the next day; my Brother sewing machine recently had it and I have been borrowing a friend's cheapie Elna 21. I have bought a gorgeous vintage 1980 Bernina 801 - I am just waiting for it to get back from the shop. But all of that is another blog entry.

If I made it again I would change the pockets, they are very cute though. The buttons worked out fine - If I were to make it 100% reversible - easy to do as there are no exposed seams - I would sew buttons on both sides.

Pattern: Whimsy Couture Hooded Jacket
Lining Fabric: Blue Arctic Fleece from Spotlight
External fabric: Sarah Fielke "On the pond weeds - Green"

The last month in photos.

 Sale happening on babies goods here. 

 Some size 4/5 harem shorts.

Geo the puppy keeping me company while I sew. 

 Testing out this pattern. Love the baby bloomers and leggings!

 The leggings using this pattern in size 3-6m in my own design of fabric printed by Spoonflower.

 Attempting to master button holes. 

 He doesn't like to let me work. 

Current family photo.