Twilight Fuschia Squid

The "Twilight Fuschia" yardage has now found its way into a garment. I've sewn it up into a Saori top/dress that is, amongst Saori weavers, commonly called "The Squid". Usually it's a shorter top, I've lengthened my version.

I really love the draped collar on this design. It's great for showing off interesting fringe treatments like the "finger fringe" I've done here. 

Finger fringe is tedious and time consuming to weave, but the results are, I think, worth the effort.

My Squid is 100% cotton, mostly 2/8, but with some 2/10 and 2/16 included as well. The wandering pattern is "travelling inlay" done in commonly available "kitchen cotton", the kind used to knit dish cloths.

The Squid design is based on a folded layout that makes the front completely on the bias, 

while the back has one side with the warp situated vertically and the other side horizontally.

I'm very happy with the way my "Twilight Fuschia Squid" has turned out and I'll be wearing it often. There will be more variations on this theme in my future, I'm sure.

Nine Ribbons

I entered 8 exhibits in the 2019 Chilliwack Exhibition and managed to win 9 ribbons! 7 firsts, a second, and a Best in Show.

Firsts for a "counted cross-stitch on aida",

an "adult hat and scarf", (my Year in Temperatures Scarf with a hat to match)

a "recycled article with a major style change", (a tunic made from duvet cover)

"Spinning - any natural fibre, plied" (a 2 ply cotton)

"Collection of 3 or more decorative items", (16 of my Stitch Meditations")

"Yardage of woven material", (my travelling inlay Saori yardage)

"Wearable article woven with recycled material" (my coat from denim strips).
The coat also won a "Best in Show" rosette.

And in the "Scarf or cowl" category I received a second place. 

Another Upcycle Sewing Project

I've been enjoying doing some "upcycle" sewing projects lately. Repurposing textiles that have been donated to thrift stores keeps them from the landfills and that in turn protects our planet from the abuse of the excess textile manufacturing that goes into today's "fast fashion", mass produced clothing not designed to last more than one season. 

I found a lovely, brand new, blue/black, high quality, polished 100% cotton sheet at a local thrift store. I sewed it up into a Les Etoiles tunic (pattern by BMannbyBridget) and a pair of pull on pants (pattern Jalie 3243). I quite like the pair worn together. They look kind of elegant in an easy fitting, comfortable sort of way.

I had originally intended to wear it with this short handwoven tabard  I made long ago, but the colourful tabard was not really made to fit over a tunic that is loose and flowing. It pulls the tunic in and makes it bunch up. I do love the splash of colour it gives the otherwise monotone outfit though.

Mild Lagenlook

I originally took this photo for a Lagenlook sewing forum I belong to. Most of the ladies there wear layer upon layer of things like bloomers, petticoats, slips, dresses, pinafores, shawls. I'm not comfortable with that level of foofy-ness and femininity. It looks great on them but it's just not my thing.

This is the sort of thing I wear on a day to day basis. It's more me. I don't concern myself with following a certain fashion aesthetic. I wear what I like and what I enjoy making. If I had to name it I'd say that I see it as toned down version of Lagenlook. It's more along the lines of Swedish Lagenlook. Layered, but not with the volume, length, or ruffles. 

If you're interested in the sources: The black cotton jersey 3/4 sleeve top was drafted and sewn by me but I started with the Jalie 2805 T-shirt and added width and an asymmetrical hem to the bottom.

Under that I'm wearing another self made top, this time of a polyester knit fabric and using Jalie 3245 Racerback Tunic as a pattern.

The hat was made using the "Gardening Hat" pattern from the book "Happy Hats and Cool Caps" but with scrunching added to the stand using the guidance for hat alterations in that same book. Great book if you need custom sized hats or want to sew hats to coordinate with your wardrobe.

Jeans and scarf both purchased long ago. Boots are vintage "Pillow Boots" by Cougar worn here for warmth, not fashion -- but I do like them enough that I went and had them repaired last year.

Boldly Out There

I debated for a bit on whether or not to present this new sewing project on my blog, fearing derision and possible rejection. I realize that with its bold colour and print and it's simple shaping it's rather "out there", non-mainstream, and likely not to everyone's taste. But you know what? I love it!

It was originally intended to only be a "wearable muslin", which is a garment sewn in inexpensive fabric mainly to test and fit a pattern, but wearable if it turns out well. I didn't expect to love it as much as I do. But with its comfortable forgiving fit, large useful pockets, bold colour and cheerful print, I love wearing it! It's fun. It's different. It's me.

I've always liked bold colour and unusual, non-mainstream styles, but it is only as I've gotten older that I've been brave enough to wear it. I think it comes with no longer caring so much what other people think. I'm more interested in being myself than I am in fitting in.

Sewn using the "Frankie" dress pattern by BmannbyBridget. I shortened it to tunic length and changed the neckline a bit. The fabric was upcycled from a thrift store purchase of a 100% cotton sheet with a large floral border print. The accompanying scarf was made by cutting down a rayon sarong I rarely wore.

If you have something positive or insightful to say I'd love to hear it, and welcome your comments. If only negatives come to mind? Well you know what your momma always said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I am only human after all, and a sensitive one at that, and criticism stings for a long, long time.

Les Etoiles

This is the "Les Etoiles" pattern by BMannByBridget sewn up in a medium weight knit fabric. I'm very happy with the way it turned out. It's super comfortable and the drape of the fabric is perfect.

I lowered the pockets by 3.25 inches from the pattern's location but they are a bit low now. Next time I'll split the difference. I find the perfect location for a pocket is just over my hip bones.

The reverse side of my fabric is not attractive so I had to hand stitch the back of the collar down, from shoulder to shoulder to be sure it doesn't show while worn. It kind of messes up the fall of the collar. Next time, if the fabric is single faced, I'll make the collar doubled so there is no wrong side to it.

The outfit actually looks better with plain black leggings but I couldn't be bothered to go change.

Could Be Better

Another remake, this one not as flattering, but still a functional garment. 

I took two of these denim dresses, picked up from a clearance rack, and remade them into one that worked better for my needs. 

I really liked the way the dresses felt on, but they were too long, lacked the large, useful pockets that I love, and had a horrible belt that made the dresses look like a pillow tied in the middle.

So I chopped the sleeves off of one of the dresses, and other than opening them up by making a vertical cut above the sleeve placket, I used them 'as is', buttons, pleats and all, to create large detailed pockets on the second dress. 

I also shortened the dress to become more of a tunic length for wearing with leggings.

The fit is loose and comfortable, not clingy.

And I love those extra large pockets!

The scraps left over from the remaining dress will be used in my boro/sashiko embroidery work. 

Wishing for a Model

I always find getting modeled shots of my creations so awkward!

I wish I had a 'real' model for that task.

Someone who knew just how to stand.

And could be relied on to not have a dorky look on her face spoiling the picture. LOL

But anyway, these pictures should give you an idea of how the tunic actually fits.

And a better look at some of the details. For instance I don't think it was apparent on the hanger that the cap sleeves were slit.

This little detail helps both the sleeve and the body of the garment hang a little better than the 'winged' look one gets when rectangular, one piece, body/cap sleeve arrangements are sewn all the way across the shoulder/sleeve seam.

Summer Tunic

I finally finished sewing the Lemon Yardage into a summer tunic.

I plan to wear it tomorrow for a demonstration of Saori style techniques that I'm doing for our local guild.

The holes in the right front are slits created during the weaving process. They were then embellished using a technique called "Picot Beading".

I also beaded the edge of both lapels.

The pretty dragonfly button was a gift from a friend and fellow guild member.

The pocket was formed by folding up the bottom edge.

I'll try to get a few modeled shots when I'm wearing it tomorrow.