Figgy's Sunki Dress

I have had this dress on the list of to makes for some time.
With the requirement for some new clothes for the resident 10 year old we sat down and looked through the pattern stash.  She originally chose a Newlook pattern,  going from experience she is not yet in the 'tweens' sizing just yet.  Remembering that I had the Sunki pattern safely saved on the computer I too her measurements, printed it off and then we headed to the fabric store together. 

We had a lovely afternoon together and she left with two bags filled with fabrics for some new clothes. (I am going to be busy in the coming weeks) 

I wasn't 100% certain on her fabric choice for this dress. Who was I to argue, she can't buy clothes from the stores that she likes and I'm enjoying watching her find her own style. 

I started this dress after putting the kids to bed.  It was finished and ready to wear at 3.30am for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service.  You think that after being with a serving member for 17 years that I would be more prepared with clothing sorted prior to the night before.  There will always be next year.

This pattern runs short.  Think 70's mini skirt.  Between Dawn Service and our next function I unpicked the hem and added a 4 inch Black band. I love everything about this dress.  I love the sleeves and the shoulder details.  Even the zip went in without too much stress.  It is far from perfect, but not bad for 11pm at night.  (note: the pockets are as good as useless though, they are purely for aesthetics)

The vest was a quick make.  A furry vest has been on her wish list for a while now and I think that she is thrilled with it and I can see her getting a lot of wear out of it this year.

Project Summery:

• Figgys Sunki Dress
• Size 6/7 - graded out to a size 8 with size 8 length
• Bonded Georgette - Lounge Leopard  The Remnant Warehouse - $25
• Vest - Simplicity 1787- Black Fur - The Remnant Warehouse - $15
• Zip - The Remnant Warehouse - 50c

SYDNEY | Zoo Zoo Zoo

One of the things that I love about Sydney (apart from the weather) is the things that we experience.  Our life style is sometimes hard.  But those that know us,  know that we jump into each move with both feet and enjoy what each place has to offer.

A regular and favourite at the moment is the Zoo. 

We have been a few times over the past year.  Each time I ask the children to choose an animal each.  We do those animals and a show or two and then head home.

And which other Zoo in Australia has this view?

SEWING | The Water Colour Skirt

It appears that our little girl is growing up before our very eyes and with that she is starting to have her own ideas on what she would like to wear. 
We have found a few problems though in the department stores though.  What she wants to wear and what she fits into are miles apart.  She ends up leaving with nothing (or a token t-shirt)

Recently we goggled 'tween fashion' and together we looked at things that were in fashion and what we could make.  She attended a Sydney Spoolette Swap day with me and she scored lots of lovely fabrics.  This is the first to be turned into something.   The fabric was left on the table by the lovely Emma of Ernestflagg.  Thanks Emma.

This was purely an idea and I couldn't be happier with it. I used her waist measurements and block pattern, pulled out the cutting mat and a few calculations and winged it. She loves it and so do I. 

Pattern : My own | Box Pleat style skirt
Fabric : Scuba | Spotlight | 50cm

SEWING | The Fern Dress

This dress has been finished for a month or so and has been in high rotation since.  I love it. It isn't often that I fall head over heals for a make.  But it is happening more often these days, I put it down to my knowledge of The Pattern Drafter and the confidence I now have in using it, selecting patterns and changing them to fit me well.

 

This dress took some fiddling with. I stitched all seems with a basting stitch and tried it on and refitted a few times before I was happy with it.  The placement of the shoulders were also a challenge and I am thankful for my patient husband that helped (and had joy in pinning me a few times) so that I could get the fit right. 

 

Pattern : Burda Young 7232 View A
Fabric: Printed Linen | Spotlight
Size : 8
Alterations : Lots of fitting of the bodice.  I am 4" smaller then the pattern.  You could basically say that I made it from scratch with the Pattern Drafter and used the pattern pieces as a guide for the shape of the back. 
Other Notes:  Next time I make this I will add a little extra length to the bodice.  I tend to forget that I have a long torso in the excitement of cutting out a dress. This is a make for an experienced sewer, as a rule I often find Burda instructions difficult to follow.
Also to those who are lucky to be graced in the breast department this may not be a make for you.  It is defiantly a strapless bra or other alternative bra option dress.