Easy mock wrap top

Apologies for the delay but I finally have something to blog about. Yay me. It was about time too! Since going back to work I've found out that my baby can actually sleep through the 'silent' noise of my sewing machine which means a lot of night time sewing. 

I initially bought this pattern in 2013, cut it out, got pregnant and thought nah, too much belly for this style of top. Getting back to work pushed me to make this top. It can be dressed up or down and can create a number of looks which is the reason why I sew.

Simplicity 1849

Pattern Description: Misses' knit twist top with sleeve variations sewing pattern Pattern Sizing: 10- 22. I cut a 14 Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it sure did. Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, yes and no. The layout was a bit obscure so my twist ended on the right side not the left but otherwise the instructions were very easy to follow. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The twist front came out really well and is flattering. Fabric Used: I used a Smudged Floral Print Poly Jersey from The Textile Centre Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Based on Sheila457's review I didn't cut neither front nor back facings and I'm glad I skipped them. I also didn't cut the neck facing, instead I interfaced the neckline and hemline then stitched it down using a twin needle Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, In a plain poly jersey to show off the twist front detail. I think I will also lengthen the bodice by an inch Conclusion: Easy pattern that can give quick gratification if the appropriate size is chosen. The accountant in me can't resist  :-) Cost of fabric: £3.00 for 2 yards Time spent: Roughly 3 hrs but I was stopping and starting a lot Notions used: Knit interfacing, Black all purpose thread, Ballpoint needles (for overlocker and sewing machine), Twin needle

So until next time, just keep sewing.

Slow progress

So I've gone back to work and I am really enjoying some spreadsheet stimulation. It's a shame that I have had to sacrifice my passion in favour of work and family but believe you me this

 is not the end. My poor hubby is having to share our bed with pins as I've started taking my sewing there too. My weekend schedule is packed for the next two weeks but that's life. It gets in the way sometimes.

Failing to plan is planning to fail

It's October already and I must admit I haven't hit this year's sewing goals. I'm nowhere near making a quarter of what I planned to make. Maybe that's because my plans where just in my head which didn't give me any deadlines.
This lack of planning has also resulted in me getting overwhelmed with the amount of projects running all at the same time. So I'm going back to basics and drawing up a list of garments I really want to make for AW15. 

First on my list is this Butterick coatigan.

B6244

From the moment I saw this pattern I had to have it. It's an easy style which can be dressed up or down and doesn't have the time commitment a tailored coat would require. The pattern also comes with a dress which I intend on sewing after I've completed my Palmer/Pletsch tissue fitting classes via Craftsy.

Next on my list is OOP McCalls M6600 shirtdress. I started sewing this piece back in August  for the ThRed and Needles challenge by Ruqayyah Davis and was making good progress until an emergency project overtook it (can't remember what that was, clearly it wasn't important). All that's left are buttons, buttonholes and the hem.

M6600

Lastly a bit of charitable sewing. This is a chef's outfit I made for my neighbours reception class, Simplicity 3650. I reinforced most seams considering 4-5 year olds will be wearing it. I finished it well into the start of the new school year but I'm proud of my achievements. Better late than never.

Well, that's it for now. Wish me luck with that coatigan.

Sew, FinancePro

Hello and welcome

My name is Farirai but most call me Farie. I'm finally joining the bandwagon and creating my own little corner in cyberspace. Why you ask? For a long time I've wanted to share my talent with like minded seamstresses so I've decided that today, my 30th birthday is the best time to do it. There's no better time than today hey? I've come to realise that life is not worth living unless you fill it with the things you enjoy most.

And what do I enjoy above all else? I love sewing. I fell in love with sewing while I was in Grade 7 (aged 12) working on our leavers' project, a hand sewn pencil skirt made out of a flimsy lightweight viscose. I was so proud of my achievement that on the last day of primary school I ripped the CF seam in my uniform, donned a white Tee and said skirt. It didn't have a secure back fastening and as I strutted my chubby looking self down to City Hall I almost exposed myself. I still blush just thinking about my near-miss indecent exposure but for the first in my short life I had found something I was really good at.

Fast forward to high school and I got a joint highest mark for Form 4 Fashion & Fabrics. I didn't get the prize (my report book did acknowledge my achievement) but I was convinced I was going to study Fashion & Textiles for my A Levels. Well, my very loving African family clearly didn't think so. Back then practical subjects were seen as inferior compared to 'academic' subjects such as Maths, Science or Accounting. Success was measured by whether you became a doctor, lawyer, engineer or accountant. 

Given my limited choices and that I had passed accounting with an A (total fluke) my career path was carved out. I have enjoyed a career in finance for the past 9 years however nothing is more fulfilling than sitting behind my sewing machine and watching a piece of fabric transformed into a wearable garment.

So, with that said I hope you will enjoy reading about my sewing endeavours, the good, the bad, the wadders as well as lessons learnt........... and not repeated.