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.

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 :)