Moving and City Living

It has been a while since I have blogged.

For those of you that follow along on Instagram, you will know that we have completed our big downsize move.

How was it?  In a word : Epic

We have moved from a quiet little area in the bush surrounded by gums, kangaroos and emus to

SYDNEY

A massive change for the whole family but we are getting there.  There are no boxes left to unpack, the sewing room is set up and I have completed my first sewn item since the sequin gown (maybe I just needed an extended break after that)

 We are loving playing tourist and think that we will always feel a little like tourists in this city.  I just need to buy a selfie stick and then we will really fit in and I can not get enough of this amazing bridge, I don't think I will ever get tired of admiring its beauty.

 

 

Black Sequins

From fabric to a ball gown in a week.

With a ball to attend I wanted to make a dress to wear. I true Kylie fashion I left it until the 11th hour before actually starting it. From fabric to ball gown in a week.

I started with an idea from a picture.  Fabric was purchased and a calico toile was constructed.  Having the choice to wear either long or short to this event I was torn as to what I would do and truth be known is why I put this off for so long.
I was going to make a slightly gathered dress but then when to Rathdowne Fabrics and purchased something completely different and opted for a long dress.

The last time I made a long dress it was to attend a ball whilst I was pregnant with B.
Being a little out of my depth and starting to think that I had bitten off more than I could chew I  purchased Vogue 8358 to help with the dress section and The Pattern Drafter and my toile top design to get the fit. 

Sequins!!!  Who's idea was this?  The girls at Rathdowne Fabrics were fantastic with their advise. Had I known that the sequins had to unpicked from the darts and seams prior to sewing I probably would have chosen a different fabric before it was cut. Lara suggested I read Poppykettle's sequin dress post and I found it very helpful.
I also used the quilting walking foot.  I found that the lining fabric wanted to slip and slide while sewing and using this foot help eliminate that.

Alterations: 
Slightly lower back and V-neck at the front
Straight Straps (the pattern had cross over straps)
Altered the underarm and front to account for my small bust size.
Fully lined instead of just a facing

What I would do differently:  If I made this again I would add a little extra length.  I had to purchase a new pair of shoes (the horror) to accommodate for this.  On the upside I managed to dance the night away on the dance floor and didn't have sore feet and have to walk home shoeless.

Would I make this again:  Yes, however I am hoping that this dress will be able to be worn again.  Black is a classic colour and moving as often as we do I manage to get a few wears out of my gowns.
I also have approx. 1m left of the sequins and I'm thinking a pair of shorts or a jacket, I can't let it go to waste.

Pattern:  Vogue V8358 ; The Pattern Drafter
Material : Black Sequin and Stretch Underlay from Rathdowne Fabrics
Cost: $134

 

Soccer Season

The 2014 Soccer Season has come to an end.

I will miss our Saturday morning drive down the highway.  The cold breeze blowing against our face and the icy cold weather. I enjoyed being the soccer Mum, I grew up around the soccer fields watching both my father and brothers from a very young age.

This little man has developed so much in the six months that was the soccer season and it has been requested that I find a team for him when we move.

Blood Moon

We didn't think we would get the chance to see the moon in all it's glory on Wednesday night.  But just as it turned red the cloud cover cleared and I managed to snap these.  We didn't see the full eclipse as the clouds came back. But what we did see was magical. 

Sewing for Camp

The crazy Victorian weather and a girl heading off on her first school camp called for a few new clothes. 

First up is long jumper that reminds me of something from the 80's.  She tells me that it is comfortable and has worn it a few times since camp so it is a winner.  She loves the cowl neck and the drawstring.  I made her a size 7 and it will more than likely fit her come next winter.  I left off the pockets and had to adjust the sleeves and cuffs to fit.

The hyper colour tights with it finish off the outfit and make for an easy wear outfit.

This is the Perri Pullover.  This time I made it in a fleecy lined stretch and left off the pockets.  Again another favourite in the wardrobe.

 

Pattern Details
80's style Purple Jumper:  Burda 9482
                                          
Perri Pullover                 : CaliFaye

Tights                             : Go To Leggings

This Week @ mealyandi

It's hard to believe that the first week of the school holidays have finished and we are onto the second. 
Being that we are on the move again next year, we have taken the opotunity to visit a few 'to-do' places of interest on our list.

 

1. Visiting the local winery's and enjoying lunch
2. Our first look inside H & M.  Gone is the boutigue shopping destination. Instead it is filled wall to wall with people pushing and shoving each other.  Don't get me started on the lines to try clothes on or heaven forbid, actually purchase something. 
On the way out I heard a group of girls gasp and say "It looks just like Singapore"  It took all of my effort not to say "It is a piece of Australia's history originally built in 1859" 
3. It seems I wore the kids out with all of the sight seeing.

WIP WEDNESDAY :: The next generation

I have fond memories of my mother making most of my clothes growing up.  I was of the tall, skinny variety and going clothes shopping was a nightmare (If my Mother had the skills to make my shoes I believe she would have done that too)

Visiting my Grandparents was always fun.  I would sit and watch my Grandmother create the most beautiful items and was always excited if we managed to be visiting during the final fitting of the next local Bride's head piece or veil before she walked down the isle. Sitting and watching on from the bed as she looked at herself in the mirror.  Then down to the back steps and watched as my Grandfather pressed and would often be taking up a pair of too long pants for himself or my Mum (he was a Tailor by trade)


So it comes as no surprise that I have past on the love of creating things with ones hands to my children.

This project has been nine months in the making and she is almost at the end.  Amelia has plans of entering it in the local show here next weekend.  I'm looking forward to seeing it hanging up and her feeling the sense of achievement you get when finishing a long term project.

Joining in with The Dove Nest :: Wednesday WIP linky.