tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74950783296078758592024-03-08T14:06:00.357+08:00Frances Lee StudioA blog about living an authentic life, valuing the ordinary in our days, sewing, knitting, making, upcycling, mending, growing, cooking, journaling, slow stitch, spending time in nature, and deliberately crafting a gentle and considered life. A wabi sabi life. Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-90466773521570256242019-07-16T11:30:00.000+08:002019-07-16T11:30:21.553+08:00Re-usable Face Scrubbies.<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been such a long time since I've written a blog post. Mainly I think because I've discovered Instagram and I now have a smart phone! I know.....amazing. The phone was a gift from my two daughters, along with personal phone lessons - very patiently delivered too.</div>
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I wanted to pop in here because Rhonda from <a href="https://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/2019/07/frances-and-her-washable-wipes.html#more" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> has written a gorgeous blog post about my hand made face scrubbies. I truly feel honoured. She has also linked to our local refill shop, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triskelebodycrafts/?hl=en" target="_blank">Triskele Bodycrafts</a> run by Brooke who stocks all sorts of yummy body products.</div>
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Rhonda is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Down-Earth-Guide-Simple-Living/dp/0670075922/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rhonda+Hetzel&qid=1563247030&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Home-Month-Month-Self-Reliance/dp/0670079022/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Rhonda+Hetzel&qid=1563247030&s=books&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Simple Home</a> and is a gentle voice bringing guidance and awareness to those wishing for a simpler life. Rhonda and the Down to Earth community have been instrumental in helping me to slow down, make from scratch, grow my own and consider my authenticity in the world. </div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-10583182482593344042018-03-21T07:45:00.002+08:002018-03-21T07:45:59.632+08:00The 'Rosie' Skirt.This is the third but probably not last of my skirt drafting explorations, the 'Rosie' skirt. This one has a waistband and a side button closure and is made out of faux suede which was a new fabric for me to try, and just a bit of fun.<br />
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Unfortunately the side button closure wasn't a long enough opening for me to get into the skirt comfortably so it's also got a centre back invisible zipper......and I thought I had no butt!<br />
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One of my most favourite things in life is taking delayed timer selfies. Truly. </div>
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To get the camera to focus, I have to first set up my dressmaker's mannequin 'Florence' into position, then during the ten second delay before the camera takes a shot, I have to fling her on the bed out of sight and jump into the frame.....all while looking as though I'm having the time of my life. </div>
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Oh I just love it. </div>
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Woops, bit too slow.</div>
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Back up a bit Nellie.</div>
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Ok, now smile.</div>
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That's it....almost.</div>
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Next time breathe in.</div>
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(There has to be an easier way).</div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-86709550732631060742018-03-05T17:45:00.001+08:002018-03-05T17:45:27.485+08:00A 'Laura' Skirt.<div style="text-align: justify;">
First things first. My laptop has decided not to read SD cards any more so until I can get it looked at, I'm limited to my phone. And for reasons yet to be discovered (by me anyway) my phone doesn't like to take very clear shots. </div>
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Never mind, onward and upward. </div>
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The second project in Cal Patch's 'Design-It-Yourself Clothes' book is the Laura skirt. This skirt is also a basic A-Line but instead of darts for the waist shaping, a curved waist band is drafted.</div>
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The waistband comes to a point in the front which is very hard to see in these photos....thank you phone.<br />
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Maybe a little bit clearer?</div>
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There is also a ruffle on the bottom of the skirt, which in the book is quite....err.....<i>ruffly</i>. Between the V-shaped waistband and the ruffle, the style of the skirt seems a little bit Western, which is not really my cup of tea, or shot of scotch. Anyway I made the ruffle quite narrow so hopefully I don't look like a 'Quick-Draw-McGraw' Cowgirl. </div>
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Now....the butterfly fabric. Hmmm.</div>
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Usually when I am trying out new patterns, my go-to place for economical fabric is the specials table in the upholstery section of Spotlight. Fabrics can be as little as $1 per metre. I <i>know</i>....cheap as chips. Perfect for a wearable muslin. However, given that this year all of my patterns are going to be self-drafted, all of them a trial and all needing muslins, I am in grave danger of giving new meaning to my 'Von Trapp Collection'.</div>
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I'm going to try and buy some plain colours. I promise.</div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-56374149163922684072018-01-26T12:52:00.000+08:002018-01-26T12:52:12.476+08:00A Basic A-line skirt.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Ok, so 2017 is done and dusted. There is now a brand new sparkling year ahead, full of promise, possibilities and plans. </div>
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This year one of my goals is to work my way through Cal Patch's book 'Design It Yourself Clothes'. Each garment is self drafted from our own body measurements and each project builds upon the skills learned in the last. I'll be joining in with an online group of girls for support, problem solving, design ideas and probably lots of fun and frivolity too.</div>
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Hopefully by the end of the year I'll be able to alter patterns to suit myself, make garments that fit and maybe even design some things myself? We'll just have to wait and see what surprises are waiting!</div>
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The very first task is to make a basic A-line skirt.<br />
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Look at all those rulers......love it!<br />
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I was so intent on what I was doing that I forgot to take some interim photos of the process. All of a sudden I had a finished skirt!<br />
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I could well do with some instruction on how to insert an invisible zip without swearing though. I've since sent away for an invisible zip foot for my machine and am about to hit up youtube for a tutorial on finishing the top of an invisible zip.<br />
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Mine are always 'smiling'.<br />
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At least I have happy clothes.<br />
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The fabric is designed to be worn lengthwise, but I've cut it to go around the body to give the optical illusion of shape.<br />
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I really don't know where my bottom has gone these last few years.Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-29898740829430397452017-12-28T05:19:00.000+08:002018-01-26T12:48:03.396+08:00Thank you 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm up early this morning reflecting on the last couple of months of this year. It's been a crazy, busy time but lots of fun spent with family in Melbourne..............</div>
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.............and Port Macquarie.</div>
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Then home again just in time to prepare for Christmas,</div>
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where most of our time is spent outdoors,</div>
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doing what friends and family do best!</div>
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Now it's about 4.30am and we have our little camper packed ready to head off for a few days to Lucky Bay. We'll be spending the last of 2017 enjoying the usual fun and frivolity that accompanies beach holidays with long time friends.</div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-10242640399318415102017-10-12T18:23:00.000+08:002017-10-12T18:25:45.391+08:00Family Time in Melbourne.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm heading to Melbourne first thing in the morning to have some precious time with my beautiful mum and sister.</div>
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Mum isn't well so I'm not sure how long I'll be away. One thing is for sure though, the time the three of us spend together will be full of love, fun and laughter.....as it always is.</div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-639285375467382562017-10-09T18:02:00.000+08:002017-10-09T18:02:12.376+08:00An abundance of pawpaws.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
How beautiful is this?</div>
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One happy mumma raising her two little ones right in the middle of an abundance of pawpaws.</div>
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I guess there'll be no green papaya salad for a few weeks.</div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-66296609997496916332017-10-06T09:13:00.000+08:002017-10-06T09:13:29.444+08:00Fermenting Capsicum.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been away from my blog for a while. I think I got a bit of stage fright when I had so many visitors after Rhonda from <a href="https://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/weekend-reading_8.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/hDdOc+(Down+to+Earth)" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> linked my blog on her reading list. I so loved doing Rhonda's course and was very appreciative of the knowledge shared but I think I became overwhelmed with the amount of visitors and felt I should be saying something worthwhile. Obviously I shouldn't have looked at the stats! Anyway, things have settled down somewhat so here I am.....just being me again.</div>
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So.....</div>
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How luscious and plump are these homegrown gifts from a neighbour?</div>
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I decided to ferment them to make sure we can enjoy them for as long as possible.</div>
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Despite searching google and my 'numerous' fermenting books, I couldn't find a recipe I was happy with so just made one up based on how I've previously made sauerkraut and kimchi. To the bowl of sliced capsicum, I've added a thinly sliced clove of garlic and a teaspoon each of yellow mustard seeds and whole black peppercorns. Easy peasy.</div>
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After mixing everything through with a generous sprinkling of Himalayan salt, I've packed it all firmly into a 2 litre jar. </div>
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When I started fermenting I didn't worry too much about using a purchased culture, but ferments last a lot longer in the fridge and have so much more beneficial bacteria for the gut if a culture is used. Plus they are less bubbly and explosive - and it's always lovely to have the least possible amount of explosion in the kitchen! The culture I use is 'Caldwell's Starter Culture' but I can't provide a link as I can't remember where I bought mine. There's six sachets in a box and you only need half a sachet per 2 litre ferment - less for a smaller jar so it's pretty economical. Mix half a sachet with about a cup or more of filtered water and pour over to cover the vegetables.</div>
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The little purple silicone top is called a 'Pickle Pipe' and I bought mine from <a href="https://www.nourishmeorganics.com.au/products/pickle-pipe-silicone-waterless-fermentation-airlock-3-pack" target="_blank">nourishmeorganics.com.au</a>. They're designed to fit all wide mouthed Ball Mason jars and are so much easier to use and look after than the water filled air lock I was previously using. Plus they're dishwasher safe and pretty cute too!</div>
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I've put a washed cabbage leaf on the top held down by a glass weight, to keep the capsicum submerged in the liquid.</div>
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All rugged up to keep out the light.<br />
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After three days on the bench it's time for a taste test.<br />
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Oh yum. <br />
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Just perfect and ready to pop in the fridge. These capsicums will be great for using on a pizza, as a side to cold meat and salad, in a wrap or sandwich......and sometimes straight from the jar if nobody is looking. </div>
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They're also yummy dobbed onto the top of a lump of cheese....also when nobody is looking. *wink*</div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-70083783654447187642017-08-30T08:06:00.000+08:002017-08-31T14:26:03.876+08:00A Granny Square Cardigan.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">A few months ago I was learning to read a crochet pattern. I was so happy about it, so enthusiastic in fact that I sent away for a pattern book full of crochet garments. I could just imagine myself with a couple of lovely lacy cardigans to nonchalantly throw over my shoulders on a cool Summer evening.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">But first things first.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">I had to concentrate on what I was doing and learn properly from the beginning.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">I was making a rug. Theoretically, there were only five different crochet stitches, in various combinations that made up the pattern. It seemed simple enough. The stitch pattern repeat was twenty-four and the row pattern repeat was fifty-two....and then just carry on apparently. Didn't sound too hard.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">A calm beginning........</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">It started off fine (while I was concentrating) but o</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">h boy, did I ever get sick of counting to twenty-four over and over.....or miscounting. By the time the rug was about half a metre long, I had made so many mistakes. It got to the point that I couldn't sit down with a glass of wine and pick up my needles (or in this case hook) for a little while at the end of the day, as I love to do - and t</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">he sides of the rug were looking like a mad woman’s breakfast. So in the end it was a choice between the rug or 'happy hour' and my sanity. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">I'm reluctant to admit</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> that the rug got thrown into the wheelie bin during a tantrum of epic proportions a couple of weeks ago. I didn't calm down until after the 'garbos' had been which was a bit unfortunate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">So....what to do about the lacy cardigan I had my heart set on?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">After a bit of hunting around I managed to find a cute pattern for a granny square cardigan, downloadable.....and free. I'm pretty sure I can make granny squares and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time – I think!</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">So far so good. No mistakes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">If you do happen see any, please don't feel obligated to mention it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">Five granny squares down and only one hundred and thirty-seven to go.</span></div>
Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-43482981085606168592017-08-17T08:10:00.000+08:002017-08-31T14:35:54.529+08:00Blogging with Rhonda<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm one of a small group of people enrolled with Rhonda Hetzel from <a href="https://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> to learn a bit more about the blogging world. Rhonda is teaching us some of the 'behind the scenes' things we need to know to keep our blogs chugging along smoothly. As anyone who knows me well (or knows me at all really) will agree, I'm certainly no technical whizz when it comes to computers or smart phones, so this is all very exciting.</div>
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Last Sunday morning was our first Skype session. In fact I hadn't used Skype at all until then. There was a two hour time difference and I was worried I would sleep in and miss the 7am start, but as it turns out I was so excited I barely slept at all and was up at about 5am shuffling quietly about waiting for the action. Skype really is pretty amazing. I honestly could <i>not</i> believe I was having a face to face conversation with Rhonda. Each time I looked at my own little image in the corner of the screen, I had my mouth open like one of those ping pong ball clowns at a carnival. <br />
(I could just imagine my mum saying "Close your mouth Frances!")<br />
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My husband has set up a little temporary 'learning centre' for me in the spare room. It was so peaceful and quiet on Sunday with the beautiful morning sun shining in the window and somehow I managed to take seven pages of notes during our two hour Skype session.<br />
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When I first started blogging, I thought it would be primarily for my family who live mostly interstate, so I just chatted on - relentlessly probably! Now that I have discovered such a vibrant and knowledgeable 'maker' community out there, I'd like to be part of that too. So, I'm hoping that by learning a little more about the blogging environment I can not only share our lives with family but also become more of a contributing member to the maker's world.<br />
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Now, let's see if I can put some of those seven pages of notes into practice without tangling myself up too much! </div>
Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-35854443513164238222017-07-18T08:32:00.000+08:002017-08-15T11:09:38.562+08:00Fibres West 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Fibres West is a week-long conference for textile and fibre enthusiasts held approximately every two years. This year there were ten national and international tutors, auditorium talks, classes, presentations, traders, displays, a 'bizarre bazaar' and so very much more.</span></div>
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I've actually been struggling to write a little something about Fibres West. I know.....ridiculous for someone who loves a chat. It was just such a wonderful experience that anything I write somehow seems a little bit lame or woody. 'Woody' is a word isn't it? <br />
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Comments like "Profound", "Life changing" and "Soul enriching" keep pouring out of my mouth any time someone asks about my week off - but actually putting my Fibres West experience into words has been quite hard.<br />
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I had a whole six days in Sandra Brownlee's 'Tactile Journals and the Written Word' class. It wasn't so much a technique based class. It was more about finding and bringing out our soul's desire.....see what I mean? Sandra's classes have a reputation for being life changing.<br />
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We spent the week working with our journals, ourselves, our thoughts and dreams, our goals for both our professional and personal lives, our love for textiles and our absolute thankfulness to be able to have so much unpressured time with other creative women.<br />
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We talked, laughed, cried, listened, walked, hugged, meditated, breathed, ate (lots), and appreciated<br />
every.......single.......moment.<br />
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I met beautiful, courageous, creative and kind women -<br />
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and luxuriated in the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere of Muresk.</div>
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Sandra's journals are legendary -</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbsPAPy6PrA/WWyLtECkgEI/AAAAAAAAB-8/aPqfxTxQYLwhfSf5mW59fS7czmg6MRx1gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170706_155531%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbsPAPy6PrA/WWyLtECkgEI/AAAAAAAAB-8/aPqfxTxQYLwhfSf5mW59fS7czmg6MRx1gCLcBGAs/s640/20170706_155531%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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as are her 'clothesline talks'.</div>
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We studied bookbinding and journaling methods of both Sandra's and other artists' work.</div>
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Absolutely exquisite binding on an old cut down phone book.</div>
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We worked in our own journals each day. Shared readings, thoughts, written words, laughs, triumphs and discoveries.<br />
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We journaled after our walking meditations, being encouraged to write how we felt rather than what we saw. <br />
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Here's one of my pages.<br />
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Sandra always being ever present, </div>
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patient, kind</div>
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and lots of fun!</div>
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Our class display on the last evening gave no real indication of the depth of transformation most of us had experienced during this week.<br />
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I know I'm richer, calmer, empowered and changed.</div>
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Thank you Sandra Brownlee.</div>
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Post script:<br />
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"It'll be cold" they said.</div>
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"Oh I'll just take a couple of singlets, it'll be ok" I replied.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Axb17Mz2eWU/WWydbOGIwoI/AAAAAAAACAQ/YXvf6s0CSFotubb7AXJdsNHKt9yTu10fACLcBGAs/s1600/20170708_082108%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1507" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Axb17Mz2eWU/WWydbOGIwoI/AAAAAAAACAQ/YXvf6s0CSFotubb7AXJdsNHKt9yTu10fACLcBGAs/s640/20170708_082108%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-5044659274948234172017-05-31T12:17:00.000+08:002017-08-09T14:40:21.571+08:00Me Made May<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is the third year in a row I have taken part in 'Me-Made-May'. </div>
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Me-Made-May runs for the whole of the month of May and is a challenge designed to encourage people who sew, knit, crochet or refashion garments for themselves, to wear and love them more. It's also an opportunity to discuss fast fashion, handmade and slow stitch.....especially when someone comments "Where did you get <b><i>that</i></b> dress?" (I'm sure it was well meant.....I think).</div>
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You can read more about the challenge over on <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/me-made-may-17-sign-up-here.html" target="_blank">So, Zo...What do you know?</a></div>
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This year I'm really happy to report that I managed to wear something handmade every single day of May. Some days I had to resort to handmade leggings though as I had run out of clothes and my brooches had been 'done to death'. Thankfully I wasn't ever asked to show off my leggings.</div>
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Here's my latest 'make'. Another Esme tunic from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lotta-Jansdotters-Everyday-Style-Accessories/dp/1617691747/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496203555&sr=8-1&keywords=lotta+jansdotter" target="_blank">Lotta Jansdotter's Everyday Style</a>. I really love her style. </div>
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I think my hair is even starting to look like hers. </div>
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Sorry Lotta. </div>
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This dress is a touch short but that was intentional so that I can wear it over jeans for the Winter.</div>
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The fabric is linen from Spotlight. I just love linen but there wasn't a lot to choose from when I bought this. Only about three plains and this print in either cream or navy. I thought this was so gorgeous on the roll and couldn't wait to make it up, but now I get the feeling that it's slightly reminiscent of a 1970's sofa. </div>
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I'm really giving the von Trapp family a run for their money now, after one of my other dresses was inadvertently made from curtain fabric.</div>
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I honestly don't know how people stand in front of a self timer and look normal. I've tried to take my lead from other blogs I follow where the girls look so natural, carefree and happy. Here I am, finally happy (sort of) with my plastic smile......but check out the feet!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Plus I look like I'm hiding a couple of wads of $50 notes in my pockets. Ha ha....I wish. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">That'd make me happy wouldn't it?!</span><br />
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-15639397153446603192017-05-01T12:45:00.000+08:002017-05-01T12:45:38.690+08:00The ibis story.<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had such a fabulous time in Coral Bay, but I must admit it was lovely to feel the cool fresh air as we drove back into town. Arriving home is always a bit of a relief really, after all the adventures on the sand dunes, the scorching sunny days, bugs biting anything that's exposed, grasshopper plagues and just too much food and alcohol, it's good to get home safely in one piece. <br />
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As we pulled into our driveway it really was lovely to experience the beautiful half light of dusk and see such a generous sprinkling of rose petals strewn across the driveway. Awwww.....Autumn is here.</div>
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Waking up in my own bed is a bit of a novelty. A big yawn and stretch.......followed by a leisurely wander out to the garden in the early morning sun.<br />
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Huh?</div>
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What's <b><i>that?!</i></b></div>
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We have a scarecrow in our front yard? With a lampshade for a head?</div>
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Oh. I get it. This is a dream. Scarecrows, birds, rose petals, alcohol, sunshine, fun.</div>
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Erm.......maybe not. <br />
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They're not rose petals on the driveway either.</div>
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It's poop. Ibis poop. Set like concrete.</div>
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And the roof of the house looks like it's been snowing. <br />
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Omg.<br />
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Our yard has been taken over by a flock of seven renegade ibis. Our neighbours have been doing whatever they can to deter them but apparently ibis can be very obstinate indeed. <br />
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They like it at our house.<br />
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They even like the backyard scarecrow. They just sit on the pool fence and stare at him with glee in their little black twinkling eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--O7lLitVJ68/WQayX7-XfvI/AAAAAAAAB9s/vPaA44Q5Lx8uuT-dQ99jfrW536sOv4IzgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3133%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--O7lLitVJ68/WQayX7-XfvI/AAAAAAAAB9s/vPaA44Q5Lx8uuT-dQ99jfrW536sOv4IzgCLcB/s640/IMG_3133%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have no frogs left in my pond either. Ibis beaks are long and deadly.<br />
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I do however have friendly, creative neighbours and a willing and enthusiastic husband.<br />
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So this is the latest in hand crafted ibis deterrent technology.<br />
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Mick races out the door at a moments notice (quite often only in his 'shorts') and runs around the yard yelling like a madman, banging and crashing his 'ibis deterring hardware'. </div>
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It sounds like a corroboree.</div>
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Looks like one too.</div>
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Isn't retirement supposed to be calm, peaceful, serene, full of meaning and fulfilment? A simple life?</div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-69607230553349894862017-04-16T16:27:00.000+08:002017-04-16T16:27:06.302+08:00Beginning a Nature Journal.Just before we left for Coral Bay, I enrolled in Jan Blencowe's <a href="http://janblencowesketchbook.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">online Nature Journaling course</a>.<br />
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Jan says that Nature Journaling is -<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">".....designed for those who love the natural world and want to form a connection with nature through art." </span></blockquote>
That sounds just perfect doesn't it? <br />
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She also asks you to - <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>"</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imagine learning ways to fine tune your listening and observational skills so that you can deeply engage with the natural world. Then imagine that you have a repertoire of creative skills that allows you to quickly and easily sketch the beauty in nature, beauty that takes your breath away and fills you with a sense of calm and well being."</span></blockquote>
Hmmmm.....filled with a sense of calm and well being? Sounds like bliss to me.<br />
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The course actually started a couple of days after we left home (Murphy's Law) so I just took my journal, started by myself and made it up as I went along.<br />
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Here are some of my pages -<br />
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Mostly I was just learning about my new Daniel Smith colours and trying to observe the sea and sky. <br />
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There's only one blue and two greens in the recommended colour palette, so I have a bit of colour experimenting to do.</div>
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I always thought there was just 'grass' on the sand dunes. Nope. I just didn't look properly. There are even flowers up there on the dunes.</div>
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Don't ask me where this 'insightful insight' came from. Mother nature probably.<br />
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We seemed to cram so much into each day and I tried to sketch a little snapshot of all the activities for one of them. I didn't end up liking this page much - it's a bit too colourful and 'busy'. </div>
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The image on the bottom right is of the dog cemetery situated high on a hill. This is the view I get at sunrise from our camper. It's absolutely beautiful with the rising sun behind the little crosses.</div>
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This is my favourite sketch. Such an amazing creature. We put this jellyfish into a lunchbox of sea water so that I could do a sketch and the poor thing just kept pulsing and blobbing along while it was waiting to be returned to the ocean. It was <i>soooo</i> creepy, (said with an Alfred Hitchcock voice).</div>
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This little frangipani tree was growing in sandy soil right outside the ladies ablution block. It only had the run off from the drinking water tap to survive on. The flowers were just as perfect as a well nourished tree in a tropical garden. Amazing really.</div>
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The paper in this journal is just ok. I wasn't able to get the recommended 'Stillman and Birn' journal so bought what was available locally. It's mixed media paper which is quite strong but not much chop for water colours as it soaks the paint up straight away. I tried a little sample of paper from a cheap watercolour pad I found....but that was worse! </div>
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Both my thumbs were out of action for the first part of our holiday. One got jammed in the shade sail that comes off the side of the car and the other was bitten by a crab while I was investigating an 'uninhabited' (!) clam shell. Nothing compares however to being bitten by a 100 year old renegade turtle!</div>
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Now that we're back home, I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the Nature Journaling course properly. So that means lots more time outside in the garden. Sitting down too. Goody.Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-70581614211449339672017-04-13T04:55:00.000+08:002017-04-13T04:55:37.491+08:00Coral Bay 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each year we head off to Coral Bay on the Ningaloo Reef for our annual camping holiday. We've been going there since our girls were small, so maybe a bit more than 20 years I guess? Over the years our trips have become less jam packed with tours, boat trips, late nights, hangovers and noise and have slowly been filled with early mornings, peaceful days and a gentler more observant approach to nature. It seems that we are becoming more in tune with our environment and our time there has deepened our appreciation of the beautiful, peaceful and pristine coastline. </div>
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Here's a snapshot of a typical day......</div>
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Kayaking and paddle boarding as the dawn breaks on a new day.</div>
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Sunrise.</div>
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Kayaking over to the reef shark nursery for a look. Now I know what a 'shag on a rock' looks like!</div>
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Setting up for the day at Five Fingers Reef.</div>
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.........and the front view. This is all precisely measured and takes some practice. It involves lots of pacing out, experts in reversing and a carefully measured and well looked after piece of string. <br />
Truly.</div>
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"Don't look at me and I won't look at you."<br />
Legs like lamp posts (I know how that feels).</div>
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Fading light is an indication that 'happy hour' is well underway.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GQefa-uEys/WO2d_pzTvLI/AAAAAAAAB8I/Ot8ipyjSxqss6U3ulVsclTHHh7YMZVIQgCLcB/s1600/P3280056%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GQefa-uEys/WO2d_pzTvLI/AAAAAAAAB8I/Ot8ipyjSxqss6U3ulVsclTHHh7YMZVIQgCLcB/s640/P3280056%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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........and the breathtaking sunset closes another amazing day.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dH4gq7BHeMk/WO2eCR_5gQI/AAAAAAAAB8M/TtJGKP5JspAwgU59ED9K2lpsQ3X_Is6TACLcB/s1600/P3220036%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dH4gq7BHeMk/WO2eCR_5gQI/AAAAAAAAB8M/TtJGKP5JspAwgU59ED9K2lpsQ3X_Is6TACLcB/s640/P3220036%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also kept a bit of a sketch journal while away so will upload some of those pages when I get a chance.....I'm still knee deep in sand and washing here. </div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-64210162419650230412017-03-17T07:42:00.000+08:002017-08-09T14:52:20.032+08:00We're off again in the camper.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're heading off tomorrow morning for three weeks on the Ningaloo Reef in Coral Bay. There's a whole tribe of us going this year - it's going to be so much fun.</div>
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My latest camping acquisition is an op-shopped 'Veterinary Conference' satchel which I've crammed full of all things wonderful. Pens, pencils, a watercolour travel palette, brand new journal, lollies, sunscreen, waterproof camera, more lollies and a good old plastic wine glass in case someone offers me a nice cold aperitif.</div>
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Don't I just look the part? </div>
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I just hope nobody actually thinks I'm a Vet while I'm out there in the wilderness..........</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCZaNPROpM8/WMoRmqMMxzI/AAAAAAAAB7c/ycctSEC5zAIqEf1wPDOvWtKnngqIZsyAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3112%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCZaNPROpM8/WMoRmqMMxzI/AAAAAAAAB7c/ycctSEC5zAIqEf1wPDOvWtKnngqIZsyAgCLcB/s640/IMG_3112%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-88993549777470060352017-02-28T15:01:00.000+08:002019-01-08T17:38:35.291+08:00Sew Along New Look 6871 - Week 4. Finishing.Welcome to week four, our final week together for this Sew Along. <br />
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This week we'll be finishing our garment.<br />
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Rightio then. Off we go again.<br />
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<b>Lower Band.</b><br />
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We're up to step 23, the lower band. </div>
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Firstly, measure the width of the lower band accurately to see if it will fit the bottom of your garment. If you have lengthened the top into a dress or tunic, the band width from the original pattern is not going to be wide enough, so just double check that.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ7g7vazyuo/WK_tB1_rIwI/AAAAAAAAB4w/j57_BY-Td00K0TBG9htJa-4PnKeK8812wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3042%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ7g7vazyuo/WK_tB1_rIwI/AAAAAAAAB4w/j57_BY-Td00K0TBG9htJa-4PnKeK8812wCLcB/s640/IMG_3042%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once you have worked out the width, sew the side seams of the band and machine stitch on to your garment, right sides together.</div>
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<b>Hemming.</b><br />
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Step 24. This is the last step. Read any further and you'll be sewing in Spanish. 😊<br />
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Try on your garment and pin where you'd like the hem to be.<br />
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As the finish of our Sew Along was looming so close, I thought I'd just quickly sew the hem up by machine. The following morning I decided that I didn't like it and I had to go outside so I could see to unpick it all! I've done that more than once so you'd think I would have learned by now, not to rush.</div>
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In the following photo you can see the line left from the unpicked stitching (which will disappear with the first wash I hope) and my hand stitched hem in progress. Did I mention I like hand stitching? <br />
Hand stitching the hem also gave me some quiet time to think and plan while enjoying the slow repetitive movement of the needle. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBZSe3y4WDQ/WK_tQ_NAxGI/AAAAAAAAB40/4sqm-l6RPEM1w5TGyUYkzg4zMxs-odp4wCEw/s1600/IMG_3047%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBZSe3y4WDQ/WK_tQ_NAxGI/AAAAAAAAB40/4sqm-l6RPEM1w5TGyUYkzg4zMxs-odp4wCEw/s640/IMG_3047%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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........and seen from the right side.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e03bOSJxm2U/WK_tqNqasEI/AAAAAAAAB48/uISnzaz9ErIucQmu8XYNexIrjmQddZErQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3051%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e03bOSJxm2U/WK_tqNqasEI/AAAAAAAAB48/uISnzaz9ErIucQmu8XYNexIrjmQddZErQCLcB/s640/IMG_3051%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you'd like to have a bit of fun with the lower band, perhaps make a pieced, embroidered or patched one? This image shows the bottom of my pinny made out of two men's denim shirts from the op shop. I pieced the bottom band as I didn't have enough fabric to cut it in one length. I'd like to do a bit of hand stitching <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/outilespyy/stitched-boro-sashiko/" target="_blank">'boro'</a> style on it as well when I get a chance.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2l3_idAEM4/WK_twytTzSI/AAAAAAAAB5A/qok7AYdxrSML6wdmwe-qzpppQ7qVukGXgCEw/s1600/IMG_2929%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2l3_idAEM4/WK_twytTzSI/AAAAAAAAB5A/qok7AYdxrSML6wdmwe-qzpppQ7qVukGXgCEw/s640/IMG_2929%2B-%2BCopy%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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At this point your garment is finished......unless you'd like to add.........<br />
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<b>Pockets!</b><br />
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The pockets on my blue linen dress have a little inverted pleat and a finished measurement of 6 1/2". Here's how they have been made.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0rGzFDTEf8A/WK_uC1fCvDI/AAAAAAAAB5I/7jAjnX7Wb7Q5pYtWSD-JzIjkTqWayltaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3055%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0rGzFDTEf8A/WK_uC1fCvDI/AAAAAAAAB5I/7jAjnX7Wb7Q5pYtWSD-JzIjkTqWayltaQCLcB/s640/IMG_3055%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut the fabric 7" high, 7" wide across the bottom and 9" wide across the top. Cut a band for the top of the pocket 1" wide and 7" long.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JTsKn2QK6w/WK_uhpnTYFI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/6FSoME9pFWcgwS4tj6kNbUS3SB8c6dUkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3056%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JTsKn2QK6w/WK_uhpnTYFI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/6FSoME9pFWcgwS4tj6kNbUS3SB8c6dUkQCLcB/s640/IMG_3056%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Iron a small crease in the centre of the pocket and pin a little pleat into the centre crease, ensuring there is a finished measurement of 7" across to match the band.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsB93Uep2HA/WK_vclSuafI/AAAAAAAAB5o/W_7hhrYezqoXeJKnLKQ5eyCcmSlNbH8pgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3057%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsB93Uep2HA/WK_vclSuafI/AAAAAAAAB5o/W_7hhrYezqoXeJKnLKQ5eyCcmSlNbH8pgCLcB/s640/IMG_3057%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Iron the band in half lengthwise and fold one half into the centre and iron again giving a 1/4" turn-over that will be top-stitched down on the right side of the pocket.</div>
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The blue thing you see is called a Clover Ironing Finger and it's just fantastic. It's a heatproof rubbery stick that is used to hold things in place while you are ironing, preventing steam burns to fingers (trust me).</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAD6gZviBNM/WK_vcuFeu4I/AAAAAAAAB5w/rHrtai4HOCoXHMju1UYDKcLRjkJJjzHaQCEw/s1600/IMG_3059%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAD6gZviBNM/WK_vcuFeu4I/AAAAAAAAB5w/rHrtai4HOCoXHMju1UYDKcLRjkJJjzHaQCEw/s640/IMG_3059%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Place the right side of the pocket band against the wrong side of the pocket and stitch with a scant 1/4" seam.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3StFzy1qzg/WK_vcvVRDSI/AAAAAAAAB5s/2BzUnWBjnyQnoJ_-U9uqwiWEnB1JvLeRACEw/s1600/IMG_3061%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3StFzy1qzg/WK_vcvVRDSI/AAAAAAAAB5s/2BzUnWBjnyQnoJ_-U9uqwiWEnB1JvLeRACEw/s640/IMG_3061%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fold over to the right side and top-stitch right along the edge of the band.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLj6e5fVxDE/WK_vdVMZhfI/AAAAAAAAB50/zgFSJY1SYWg5LbbfT0Mp6C2VXQq4MaczgCEw/s1600/IMG_3062%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLj6e5fVxDE/WK_vdVMZhfI/AAAAAAAAB50/zgFSJY1SYWg5LbbfT0Mp6C2VXQq4MaczgCEw/s640/IMG_3062%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Press under 1/4" all the way around the other three sides.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhT2Gu1bYuI/WK_vPKBTu4I/AAAAAAAAB5g/dsgX0kb1PVENHQld8fmKPnXpTrmwmLOMACEw/s1600/IMG_3063%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhT2Gu1bYuI/WK_vPKBTu4I/AAAAAAAAB5g/dsgX0kb1PVENHQld8fmKPnXpTrmwmLOMACEw/s640/IMG_3063%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin in place on your garment. I put a cutting board inside the garment to give something to pin against. I use an LP record cover for smaller garments (showing my age here!)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-nBStsoeNQ/WK_v9qV1vVI/AAAAAAAAB6E/G5cy81_6ZLw_N1W9UNYBF2KmjRYCy2kKgCEw/s1600/IMG_3064%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-nBStsoeNQ/WK_v9qV1vVI/AAAAAAAAB6E/G5cy81_6ZLw_N1W9UNYBF2KmjRYCy2kKgCEw/s640/IMG_3064%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stitch pocket in place using a little reinforcing triangle of stitching in the corners.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UY20m0WjG-4/WK_v-ftvloI/AAAAAAAAB6I/qMGU9GNcZQgmeElRaCWb9BhG4SoVJgjrwCEw/s1600/IMG_3070%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UY20m0WjG-4/WK_v-ftvloI/AAAAAAAAB6I/qMGU9GNcZQgmeElRaCWb9BhG4SoVJgjrwCEw/s640/IMG_3070%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and voila!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNqGA7fhc48/WK_v9eF5NvI/AAAAAAAAB58/RBwZiVzImNouRhfISWEvU571zDBDo5AjACEw/s1600/IMG_3067%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNqGA7fhc48/WK_v9eF5NvI/AAAAAAAAB58/RBwZiVzImNouRhfISWEvU571zDBDo5AjACEw/s640/IMG_3067%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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A dress for Summer,</div>
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or Winter,</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jSrKdElsNk/WLJR9q00ElI/AAAAAAAAB64/eSP25W9WRSk-HqdaKpa6g5GYUDdEA0eGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3079%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jSrKdElsNk/WLJR9q00ElI/AAAAAAAAB64/eSP25W9WRSk-HqdaKpa6g5GYUDdEA0eGQCLcB/s640/IMG_3079%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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or bloopers!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VouNgImajM4/WLJSHoZORGI/AAAAAAAAB7A/dDOybUQPstkKizQcSn_M7gG2FclGhEtWACLcB/s1600/IMG_3087%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VouNgImajM4/WLJSHoZORGI/AAAAAAAAB7A/dDOybUQPstkKizQcSn_M7gG2FclGhEtWACLcB/s640/IMG_3087%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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......such is the life of a model!</div>
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I'm still learning to use the self timer on my camera and I couldn't get it to focus properly unless I had something for it to focus on. Thankfully my trusty mannequin 'Ivy Florence' (Flo for short) kindly agreed to be my very capable assistant. Unfortunately she's a tad slow on her feet and needed a hurry along so I could get her out of the picture. My camera is just too quick for Flo. 🙂</div>
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<b>Your tasks for this week.</b><br />
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Attach the bottom band of your garment.</div>
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Hand or machine stitch the hem.</div>
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Attach pockets if you're having them.</div>
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<b>Further Reading.</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/how-traditional-boro-clothes-mending/" target="_blank">Boro</a> hand stitching how to.</div>
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Pleated pocket tutorial by <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2009/06/tutorial-pleated-pocket/" target="_blank">Made by Rae</a>.</div>
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A one year sustainable fashion challenge at <a href="https://sustainablethreadsblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">sustainablethreadsblog.wordpress.com</a></div>
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Ten tips for transitioning to a (mostly) hand made wardrobe at <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2014/12/sewing-resolutions-10-tips-for-transitioning-to-a-mostly-handmade-wardrobe/" target="_blank">sewmamasew.com</a></div>
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<b>Where to from here?</b></div>
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That's such an exciting thought isn't it? You can take the craft of stitch as far as you like, as far as you can imagine. </div>
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If you're still not feeling that confident, you might like to stay working with New Look patterns for a little while until you feel ready to try something different. Now that you've made one New Look pattern, the next one will be so much easier.</div>
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For those wanting to investigate a handmade wardrobe of clothing or you feel ready to jump into something more, here are some ideas -</div>
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How about trying one of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stylish-Dress-Book-Wear-Freedom/dp/0804843155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488076562&sr=8-1&keywords=japanese+sewing+book+stylish" target="_blank">Japanese sewing books</a>, a <a href="https://merchantandmills.com/product-category/books/" target="_blank">Merchant and Mills</a> wardrobe, the newly published <a href="http://thetunicbible.com/" target="_blank">Tunic Bible</a>, the simple Scandinavian style of <a href="http://jansdotter.com/about/" target="_blank">Lotta Jansdotter</a>, the gentle hand stitching of <a href="http://www.alabamachanin.com/alabama-stitch-book-5" target="_blank">Alabama Chanin</a> or for more of a challenge - recreating some of the fashions from a <a href="http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-SUCCESSFUL-DRESSMAKING-Ellen-Marietta-Resek-Circa-1950s-/182407273931?hash=item2a78521dcb:g:AYsAAOSwZQRYaZ~u" target="_blank">vintage sewing book. </a> The best part? These books all include the patterns!</div>
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These projects (and more believe it or not) are all just waiting for me in my 'stitch queue' (!) because I truly do believe we are only limited by our imagination.</div>
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<b>Thank you.</b></div>
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To the girls on the Down to Earth forum, thank you so much for your enthusiasm, conversation, photos, questions, positivity and for supporting each other (and me) through our first Sew Along together. It's been lots of fun and an absolute honour to be your host. I've learnt so much along the way and can't wait to see what the future will bring should our paths cross again.</div>
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...........and remember. Mistakes are part of the journey and how we learn, so.........</div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-15726836196276932872017-02-20T03:28:00.000+08:002019-01-08T17:37:50.814+08:00Sew Along New Look 6871 - Week 3. Body & Sleeves.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to week three. We've reached the half way mark!<br />
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This week we'll be discussing sleeves, bias binding and sewing up the side seams.</div>
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It's been so hot here this past week that I've hardly been able to get any sewing done at all. Even the air conditioner has just about given up the ghost, out in this little tin roofed back room of ours.</div>
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Okie dokie. We're up to Step 12.....now that I've finally found the pattern instruction sheet which was being used as a bookmark in a cookbook. If it was too hot to sew, one would have thought it would be too hot to cook. Surely?</div>
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<b>Sleeves.</b><br />
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Step 12 asks you to gather the top of the sleeves then stitch under arm seam. I actually find it easier to attach the sleeve to the body of the garment before sewing the under arm seam. Then I sew the under arm seam and side seam in one continual line of stitching. This is no doubt not the correct way to 'set in' a sleeve, but I find it's easier for me. <br />
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I'm not that fond of gathers in the top of my sleeves either, especially if the fabric doesn't have a soft drape. For some stiffer or more structured fabrics like linen blends or patchwork cottons, the following is how I alter my sleeves so that there is no 'puff''.</div>
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Rule a horizontal line just under the arm hole curve from seam allowance to seam allowance. Rule a vertical from the centre top of the sleeve down to the horizontal line. Cut along these lines being careful not to cut past the seam allowance on either side.<br />
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Measure the sleeve opening. You'll have to be a little more accurate with your tape measure than I look like I'm being in the following photos, but I couldn't hold my heavy old SLR camera and the tape measure at the same time. Yes I know, I need a smart phone. </div>
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Fold the cut pattern over on top of itself until the measurement is the same as the armhole opening measurement. This really does sound like 'double dutch' doesn't it? Thank goodness I took some photos.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrpHD14NoPA/WKgJiqQFZZI/AAAAAAAAB2k/QW4CKGIEgL0LPfj-II2_PgX0wWfVg-mjACEw/s1600/IMG_2867%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrpHD14NoPA/WKgJiqQFZZI/AAAAAAAAB2k/QW4CKGIEgL0LPfj-II2_PgX0wWfVg-mjACEw/s640/IMG_2867%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see in the following photo how much excess fabric was cut away after drafting out the new sleeve. Using this method, The front and back armhole curves remain the same so the sleeve will still fit into the dress nicely. It's just the extra fabric for the puffed sleeves that is cut away.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78thcAdfi2I/WKgJiXM9KhI/AAAAAAAAB2g/PJKof72j3l8TInQn5AMxxEoy5IhbLxDpgCEw/s1600/IMG_2865%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78thcAdfi2I/WKgJiXM9KhI/AAAAAAAAB2g/PJKof72j3l8TInQn5AMxxEoy5IhbLxDpgCEw/s640/IMG_2865%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin sleeves to dress using a lot of pins so that there are no puckers. (I went to all this trouble to reduce the puff.....no way am I putting up with puckers). </div>
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The finished sleeve with no 'puff'.</div>
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<b>Sewing the side seams.</b></div>
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Overlock or zig zag the raw edge of the fabric on the side of the garment and also on the under arm edges of the sleeves if you are having sleeves.</div>
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Sew the side seams using a regular length stitch. Press seams open.</div>
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If you are making a sleeveless dress, pinny or popover style, you might like to cut away a little of the shoulder fabric. An easy way to ensure both the shoulder shapes end up the same, is to draw the cutting line first. When you are happy, cut off the excess fabric, then use that piece to mark the cutting line on the opposite side.</div>
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<b>Bias Binding</b></div>
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For either the flutter sleeve or the sleeveless style, you will need some bias binding to finish the armhole edge. It's quite easy to make your own using a Bias Tape Maker (such an original name) or alternatively, just buy a packet of 1/2" bias tape. For two of my earlier dresses/tops from this pattern, I made the bias tape as I had plenty of fabric to play with. Because the fabric for the tape must be cut on the bias, you will need to have enough left over fabric to do this. For my cloud dress I've bought a packet of navy bias tape as I didn't purchase extra fabric, plus sometimes it's just easier to buy it in a packet!</div>
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Right. Here we go.</div>
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Mark the seam allowance along the armhole edge as a stitching guideline.</div>
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Starting at the under arm seam, place the bias tape right sides together with the garment, with the right hand side of the tape unfolded. Align the right hand fold of the tape directly over the stitching line you have marked. Be sure to fold the beginning of the tape over a little to conceal the raw edge as this will be seen on the wrong side of the garment and can become frayed with repeated washing.</div>
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Machine along the right hand fold all the way around until there is a slight overlap of the bias tape.</div>
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Trim the excess garment fabric within the seam allowance back to the raw edge of the bias tape.</div>
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Clip the curves of the seam allowance being careful not to nick the stitching. This will help the curved under arm area to sit nicely flat. Fold the bias tape over so that it is not showing on the right side of the garment. Gently ease into into shape which is quite easy to do as the bias tape will have plenty of 'give'. </div>
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Hand or machine stitch into place. I prefer hand stitching as there's less chance of puckering.....and we all know how I feel about puckers.</div>
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Next week we'll be finishing off our garment! </div>
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<b>Your tasks for this week.</b></div>
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<li>Insert sleeves if required.</li>
<li>Finish off armhole edge as desired.</li>
<li>Sew up side seams.</li>
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......and finally some gentle words from Jules of <a href="https://sewmesomethingblog.com/2017/02/16/the-perfectly-imperfect/" target="_blank">Sew Me Something</a>. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 17px;">Handmade objects are given qualities that come from where we are right now with our skills, time and creativity. It is the time and love we invest in each of our projects that really counts not the perfectly finished piece. So we really should not berate ourselves for the slip-ups we make. Or forgo the pleasure of acquiring a new skill or learning a new technique because we have a fear of it not being “quite right”.</span></blockquote>
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Trying isn’t failing – failing to try is.</blockquote>
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<b>Further Reading. </b> </div>
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Rhonda, from the <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/weekend-reading_17.html" target="_blank">Down to Earth blog</a> has included a link in her weekend reading list on how to attach bias binding. For those who haven't been over to her blog yet, the directions are at <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/attaching-bias-tape/" target="_blank">theseasonedhomemaker</a>.</div>
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There is also a fabulous 'bias tape finish' tutorial over on <a href="https://www.professorpincushion.com/professorpincushion/bias-tape-finish/" target="_blank">ProfessorPincushion</a>.</div>
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<b><br /></b>Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-62461405575040152232017-02-13T06:10:00.000+08:002019-01-08T17:36:05.134+08:00Sew Along New Look 6871 - Week 2. The Yoke.Ladies.....<b><i>start your engines</i></b><i><b>!</b></i><br />
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I've been dying to say that. Small things, I know.<br />
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I hope everyone has had a fun 'Week One' and that you're happy with your progress so far. Even if you feel you can't keep up, just enjoy the journey.....we all have a lifetime ahead to stitch, create, imagine, design and learn. What a gorgeous thought. </div>
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Okay, let's get stuck into week two. <span style="text-align: justify;">This post might be a bit long-winded but I want to ensure we don't lose our beginning sewists along the way.</span><br />
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<b>Preparing to sew.</b><br />
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In the sewing directions on page 1 of the instruction sheet, the seam allowance is 5/8" or 1.5cm. If you are not quite sure about being able to keep your seam allowance to that measurement or perhaps don't know if you can sew a consistent straight line, an easy thing to do is to place a piece of masking tape along the needle plate of your machine at the appropriate measurement to use as a guide. </div>
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The tape I've used in this photo is from the painting section at Bunnings. Painter's tape has less 'tack' as it's designed to be stuck on walls without removing the paint, so it shouldn't leave a sticky residue on your machine.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkVBtz-AVzA/WJqH14ojVrI/AAAAAAAABz8/wmwD-RSKJ8ofm_yWgwoi-XVdxXkBEMZoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2941%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkVBtz-AVzA/WJqH14ojVrI/AAAAAAAABz8/wmwD-RSKJ8ofm_yWgwoi-XVdxXkBEMZoQCLcB/s640/IMG_2941%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Interfacing.</b><br />
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Interfacing is used to stiffen the lining/facing fabric of the yoke and provide stability to the garment. It's really just a matter of personal preference, depending on the look you require and the stability of the fabric you are using. Think about whether you want to use interfacing on the yoke pieces. I did for my blue dress as the fabric was quite fine, but usually I don't use it as I prefer garments to be lovely and soft.<br />
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Iron interfacing (if using) on to the wrong side of the yoke facings. Ensure that the interfacings are cut marginally smaller than the facing piece or put some glad bake on your ironing board to prevent the interfacing sticking where it's not supposed to! </div>
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<b>Prepare the yoke.</b></div>
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This is your opportunity to add lace or embroidery to the yoke (step 2 on the instruction sheet), or perhaps you have decided to do a 'pieced' yoke as I have done in the following photo.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAUE3TUreys/WJqSaG606VI/AAAAAAAAB0M/t1WD0vb27lcC5EDikB3u-2pV47ghazkFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3010%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAUE3TUreys/WJqSaG606VI/AAAAAAAAB0M/t1WD0vb27lcC5EDikB3u-2pV47ghazkFgCLcB/s640/IMG_3010%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Gathering.</b></div>
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Set your machine at the longest stitch length (for my machine, that's 5) and sew two parallel lines just inside the seam allowance. For those who haven't yet used their machine to sew gathering stitch, <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-gather-fabric/?ALLSTEPS" target="_blank">here</a> is a great tutorial.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwkKWMAg-Ec/WJqVymT_JxI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/h-09n3T8XKsopuSgsj_PlXhqlTibcwcigCLcB/s1600/IMG_2979%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwkKWMAg-Ec/WJqVymT_JxI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/h-09n3T8XKsopuSgsj_PlXhqlTibcwcigCLcB/s640/IMG_2979%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gather fabric by pulling the two top threads on the right, ensuring that you only gather the fabric up enough to match the notches.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ite373_Ej1Y/WJqV4TOLBII/AAAAAAAAB0c/WJFFjrg9J2Ice3rKyaN_M7BTOF7oE76KgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2943%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ite373_Ej1Y/WJqV4TOLBII/AAAAAAAAB0c/WJFFjrg9J2Ice3rKyaN_M7BTOF7oE76KgCLcB/s640/IMG_2943%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the following photo you can see that there's not a great deal of gathering required and there's not a lot of fullness at the front. Good for anyone who is not wanting to enhance the bust (I should be so lucky).</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlrqxD21r_o/WJqWC4aEioI/AAAAAAAAB0g/-LNAINjGobMTE0HgHUpeDySCbZLqLIMjwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2942%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlrqxD21r_o/WJqWC4aEioI/AAAAAAAAB0g/-LNAINjGobMTE0HgHUpeDySCbZLqLIMjwCLcB/s640/IMG_2942%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pin securely so that the gathering doesn't slip when sewing.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr09kcu9sJs/WJqWJNlJjVI/AAAAAAAAB0k/OWuGDQUnENs8q-JqqnTl6TXM9mbfR7_yQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2974%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr09kcu9sJs/WJqWJNlJjVI/AAAAAAAAB0k/OWuGDQUnENs8q-JqqnTl6TXM9mbfR7_yQCLcB/s640/IMG_2974%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WjEcPXWVmY/WJqWSQzTAmI/AAAAAAAAB0o/FC9zTlN5wl0hrdDqCyHYxlaKbfU3U46FQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2975%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WjEcPXWVmY/WJqWSQzTAmI/AAAAAAAAB0o/FC9zTlN5wl0hrdDqCyHYxlaKbfU3U46FQCLcB/s640/IMG_2975%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember to keep notches matching. This will ensure the gathers are neatly in the middle, where they're supposed to be.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihiqvaPmfbo/WJqWbKj00SI/AAAAAAAAB0s/LlwBOX_EQQQCywXZgA2XEEYC-vsb_ScxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2976%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihiqvaPmfbo/WJqWbKj00SI/AAAAAAAAB0s/LlwBOX_EQQQCywXZgA2XEEYC-vsb_ScxwCLcB/s640/IMG_2976%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stitch along the seam allowance. Placing the pins at this angle allows you to sew right up to the pinned fabric and also allows you to grasp them easily for removal. Remember to put your machine back to regular stitch length, (for me that's about 2.5 to 3.0).</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MK7SFE6McFk/WJqWjwqPIAI/AAAAAAAAB0w/j1F4GAsHNUcbWLopQ5SnWyHpY-lW44PigCLcB/s1600/IMG_2983%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MK7SFE6McFk/WJqWjwqPIAI/AAAAAAAAB0w/j1F4GAsHNUcbWLopQ5SnWyHpY-lW44PigCLcB/s640/IMG_2983%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>An alternative to gathering.</b></div>
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If anyone doesn't really like gathers, an alternative is to make a little inverted pleat just by folding the fabric in the centre taking up the full width of the excess and ensuring that the notches still match.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAXhqRbqlj4/WJqWuzYAg_I/AAAAAAAAB04/sQk6-JU5_Z8QLDePCkiAHjy-3-MOYKTrQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3003%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAXhqRbqlj4/WJqWuzYAg_I/AAAAAAAAB04/sQk6-JU5_Z8QLDePCkiAHjy-3-MOYKTrQCLcB/s640/IMG_3003%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the back yoke I've made two little pleats either side of the centre. This will hopefully give a bit of room for movement across the shoulder blade area.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV12cFOaTIM/WJqW1R08MiI/AAAAAAAAB08/vjjcN0a1UXoK55fGF7nvqzeKxNC_ynvLACLcB/s1600/IMG_3005%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV12cFOaTIM/WJqW1R08MiI/AAAAAAAAB08/vjjcN0a1UXoK55fGF7nvqzeKxNC_ynvLACLcB/s640/IMG_3005%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Attach facing to yoke.</b></div>
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Place facing and yoke right sides together and stitch all the way around the neck edge.</div>
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<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeW8s_3ceZY/WJ_L1i4JR1I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/C5PrM99fSCEBUe5u5wOJPsWmM4PRf-2gwCLcB/s640/IMG_3012%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" /></div>
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<b>Layer seam.</b></div>
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At step 9 you are asked to 'layer seam'. This means to cut away some of the fabric from <i>one </i>layer of the seam allowance, thereby reducing some of the bulk. For this I use 'Duckbill' scissors which were originally designed for applique work I think. These scissors have one blade that is larger so it's easier to see where the blades (and therefore fabric layers) are. Somehow, for me, they reduce the chance of snipping fabric where it's not supposed to be snipped!</div>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDw5TiOS1nI/WJ_N7KoKgXI/AAAAAAAAB1g/YvIqXT4GrQc7TeqAPqy4z8ezW4FK3WNDgCLcB/s640/IMG_3013%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" /></div>
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<b>Understitching.</b></div>
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At step 9 you are also asked to 'understitch' the facing. Understitching is a row of machine stitching which is done on the facing and seam allowance <i>only</i> and prevents the facings from rolling to the right side of the garment. There is a Professor Pincushion video <a href="https://www.professorpincushion.com/professorpincushion/understitch/" target="_blank">here</a> which explains how to understitch. </div>
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In this photo the row of understitching is visible on the inside edge of the facing. I've also tacked the facing down in preparation for ironing and securing the yoke. </div>
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<b>Secure yoke facing.</b></div>
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How you do this depends on whether you want to machine stitch or would prefer to hand stitch. The instructions at step 10 suggest stitching 'close to lower edge of yokes, catching facing on inside'. You can overlock or zig-zag the lower edge of the facing and machine stitch across. I prefer to baste the armhole and neck edges to the facing to secure and then turn under a small hem on the bottom of the facing and hand stitch. There are two reasons for this - one, I think it's much neater and two, I love hand stitching so I'm always looking for a little project to save until I sit down at the end of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEgP6NnN73I/WJ_oavvEfVI/AAAAAAAAB14/d9yA4K8yrmYoFtlkTR_toKzUUpPb6D7EACLcB/s1600/IMG_3017%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEgP6NnN73I/WJ_oavvEfVI/AAAAAAAAB14/d9yA4K8yrmYoFtlkTR_toKzUUpPb6D7EACLcB/s640/IMG_3017%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I find a good and clear way to pin is to put a small cutting board on the ironing board and lay the area to be pinned onto that. The rest of the fabric can then drape down onto the floor and it's out of the way. The cutting board prevents getting your garment pinned to the ironing board and it's a great height to work at. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkJHjhNBC8s/WJ_ojOeb3_I/AAAAAAAAB18/zByE1Phe4yI2tHQ--tEGlaAsrzAGfc0swCLcB/s1600/IMG_3018%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkJHjhNBC8s/WJ_ojOeb3_I/AAAAAAAAB18/zByE1Phe4yI2tHQ--tEGlaAsrzAGfc0swCLcB/s640/IMG_3018%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....and there you have it. A bit of hand stitching and week two is done!</div>
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I'm slowly getting used to parking myself in front of this mirror with a camera, but I don't think I'll ever win any modelling competitions. Not with wet hair anyway. My gorgeous looks.....well that's another whole subject. 😊 </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rY669WsHHc/WKALFhBQKeI/AAAAAAAAB2M/dinXeZ3NMV4RNw5yiqU-svI7zwZAYNJ4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3022%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rY669WsHHc/WKALFhBQKeI/AAAAAAAAB2M/dinXeZ3NMV4RNw5yiqU-svI7zwZAYNJ4gCLcB/s640/IMG_3022%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next week we'll be tackling sleeves and bias binding.</div>
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<b>Your tasks for this week.</b><br />
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<li>Interface (if desired) and prepare yoke.</li>
<li>Stitch yoke to main body of garment. </li>
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.........and finally, some words from Sonya Phillip of <a href="http://100actsofsewing.com/home" target="_blank">100actsofsewing.com</a></div>
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"Making clothing is a conscious choice; it is an investment of time over convenience. The creation of a functional garment, engenders self-sufficiency and happiness. Since it is perilous to compare what one makes to the immutable perfection of store-bought, in sewing for oneself it is the work itself and the recognition of flaws and gradual achievement of better skills as part of that work, that produces satisfaction."</blockquote>
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<b>Further Reading.</b></div>
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A youtube video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jlXqkwaqTM" target="_blank">gathering</a>.<br />
Some hand stitching tips and techniques from <a href="https://closetcasepatterns.com/hand-sewing-tips-techniques/" target="_blank">Closet Case </a></div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-43875726981872880582017-02-05T15:05:00.000+08:002019-01-09T08:29:21.312+08:00Sew Along New Look 6871 - Week 1. Cutting Out.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yay, our Sew Along is finally here! <br />
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It's been a bit like the old Pantene advertisement....it won't happen overnight, but it <i>will </i>happen!<br />
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Welcome to week one. This week we will discuss fabric choice, washing the fabric, straight grain, measuring accurately and we'll be cutting out our pattern.<br />
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If you're already a sewer, you understand the feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment that hand crafting a garment can bring. If you're not a sewer, you are about to embark on an exciting new creative journey. In four weeks time, it's very likely that you will have become a home seamstress, capable of creating a 3D wearable garment from a flat, limp, lifeless piece of cloth. Nothing feels more nurturing and kind to your precious body than opening your wardrobe and being able to choose a garment to wear that has been lovingly created with your very own hands. <br />
Just wait and see. </div>
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Okay. let's get started.<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
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<b>Measuring and choosing a pattern size.</b></div>
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It's not possible to choose your pattern size according to the size clothing that you wear. Each pattern company has their own pattern sizing so it's important to measure yourself accurately. Simplicity has a two page pdf fit guide <a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/pdf/Fit_Hlep_-_Simplicity_Fit_Brochure_1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> which can be printed out. It explains how to measure accurately, has a space for you to enter your own measurements and there are a few FAQs too. There is also a great article <a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/getting-started/what-pattern-size-are-you" target="_blank">here</a> which talks about pattern size and explains the back of the pattern envelope quite clearly.</div>
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My measurements are - Bust 38, Waist 31 and Hips 40, so I'll be making a size 16 according to the chart on the back of the envelope. The pattern envelope has measurements in both metric and imperial so choose which one you are most comfortable working with. Each pattern company has their own 'fit' too so working with only one brand of pattern is best when you are first starting out, so you can become confident with the fit, markings and pattern instructions of only one company at a time. New Look patterns are widely available and economical, plus they are well supported with a comprehensive knowledge base on the Simplicity website.<br />
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<b>Preparing the pattern.</b></div>
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Once you have decided on your pattern size, it's just a matter of cutting out the tissue pattern pieces according to the 'View' you're making. The pattern pieces you need for your chosen view are listed on page 1 of the instruction sheet. I'm making View D so I'll need pieces 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. Easy peasy.</div>
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What I like to do however, is trace my pattern pieces off onto some tracing paper or vilene. This preserves my tissue paper pattern from the damage of repeated use and also allows me to make an alternative size at some stage, plus it keeps my tissue pattern in original condition. If I trace my pattern off I can also trace only the lines and markings that I need for my size. This reduces the chance of making mistakes or cutting along the wrong line, as patterns often have several sizes on the one sheet, as is the case with this one.</div>
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Tracing vilene comes on a roll and is available in the same section of the shop as rolls of interfacing. It only costs a couple of dollars a metre - I buy a few metres at a time and store on a cardboard roll so it doesn't wrinkle. Doing this is of course a personal choice, but I think it's worth the trouble. You can see in the following image that my pattern piece only has the markings that I need and is very clear and strong which will be great for repeated use.</div>
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<b>Fabric</b><br />
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Following the preparation post, you will have already chosen your fabric or perhaps decided to use a doona cover or sheet from the op shop. All you need to do to prepare the fabric is wash and dry it in the same manner you intend using to wash and dry your finished garment. That's it! Quilting cottons will probably need a few washes to soften down nicely but you only need the first wash to sort out any possible shrinkage. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipeyr1NbFwU/WIxCTasuySI/AAAAAAAABzA/_jjNN325PyARdVt9lsB0C6kYkfVkmh2ggCLcB/s1600/IMG_2921%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipeyr1NbFwU/WIxCTasuySI/AAAAAAAABzA/_jjNN325PyARdVt9lsB0C6kYkfVkmh2ggCLcB/s640/IMG_2921%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Iron the fabric and fold lengthwise according to the pattern layout on page one of the instructions. Most of the pattern pieces will have an arrow which indicates the direction the pattern piece must be laid on the fabric. The arrow must go along the lengthwise grain and not across the width of the fabric. In the photo below I have placed my pattern pieces lengthwise to the grain, along the fold of the fabric. </div>
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It's very important to be aware of which direction the print is facing. I have bought fabric printed with clouds so I want to make sure I place my pattern pieces so that they're not upside down! <br />
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Many years ago I made a dress from a 'placement print length', as they were called back then. It was a stunning print of a yacht with a reflection. When I wore the dress to work, one of the blokes said "You've never been on a boat, have you?"<br />
Hmmmm.....can you see where this is going? You guessed it. I had the yacht upside down with the water up under my bust and the sunset round my kneecaps!</div>
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I've left enough room so that I can cut the front and back about 7 inches longer than the pattern piece to allow for a tunic length garment. I've also left enough room for a sleeve (just in case) even though I'll probably just make a sleeveless tunic.</div>
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If you decide to cut your top into a tunic or dress length, just follow the general line of the side seam down until you get to the required length. It's easy with a ruler. Cut the bottom band the same width. You'll need to line both of your fabrics up together to make sure you cut the band wide enough. The following photo shows that I've cut the band the same width as the bottom of the tunic and continued the line also of the side seam. I've cut it a bit longer too as I had the spare fabric and it's better to be too long than too short. It can always be trimmed up later when I'm deciding on hem length.</div>
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These are the yoke pieces. If there's any chance of getting confused about which is the right and wrong sides of the fabric (I'm always confused unless it's <i>really </i>obvious!) pin a safety pin on to the right side as soon as you've cut out the pattern pieces. The tissue pattern states to cut two front yokes and two back yokes, therefore one piece each will become the lining. If you're up-cycling fabric and don't have enough, cut the lining pieces out of another complementary colour as it won't really be seen. Try to stick with the same fibre content though.</div>
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If you are up-cycling some men's shirts or have fabric with beautiful embroidery etc it's pretty easy to just lay out your yoke pattern piece in the spot that makes you happiest. I thought the buttons and seams looked pretty cute for the yoke when I made my pinny. I used the backs of two men's shirts for the front and back, and just pieced the bottom band from scraps left over from both of the shirts. My linings were polka dot left over from another project.</div>
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<b>Machine sewing thread.</b></div>
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Perhaps the most important 'rule' for machine sewing thread is to have exactly the same thread in the bobbin as you are using in the machine. There are lots of other opinions too such as using cotton thread for cotton garments, cotton/polyester for blended fabric garments etc. You'd go nuts trying to remember it all, so if you are confused or unsure, just buy the best thread you can afford and make sure it's used in the bobbin also. Gutterman all purpose machine thread is excellent and readily available.</div>
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<b>Your tasks for this week.</b></div>
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<li>Wash, dry and iron your fabric.</li>
<li>Cut out the tissue pattern pieces or trace onto vilene and cut out.</li>
<li>Cut out your garment. (Wheeee it's happening!)</li>
<li>Check you have a new machine needle and appropriately coloured machine sewing thread.</li>
<li>Have a little look around <a href="https://www.professorpincushion.com/" target="_blank">ProfessorPincushion.com.</a> It's a fabulous free sewing tutorial website. Just type something you'd like to know more about into the search bar.</li>
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Thank you so much for coming along on this stitching journey. It doesn't matter how fast or how slow you believe you sew. It doesn't matter if you're an accomplished seamstress or if this is your first garment. What matters is that you are here, following along, being part of a world wide stitching sisterhood and creating with your heart and hands.</div>
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....and finally, some words from Jane Milburn of <a href="http://textilebeat.com/" target="_blank">textilebeat.com</a></div>
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"Every day we eat and we dress. We have become conscious of our food, it is time to become conscious of our clothing. Slow down, become conscious of your clothing and choices, mend what you have, value story, be empowered to sew."</blockquote>
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<b>Further Reading.</b><br />
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An <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jan/27/a-stitch-in-time-new-era-for-home-sewing" target="_blank">article</a> about the resurgence of home sewing.<br />
An award winning <a href="https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/love-at-first-stitch" target="_blank">book</a> suitable for beginner sewists which includes five full sized patterns.<br />
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Phew.....I'm exhausted. I'm sure it must be 'happy hour' by now. 😊<br />
<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-86149822813211149222017-01-23T14:04:00.000+08:002019-01-08T17:36:44.560+08:00Sew Along, New Look 6871 - Preparation.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I've been asked over on the <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Down to Earth</a> forum if I would host a Sew Along. Initially I panicked, but after thinking about it for a short time (ohhhh......about 30 nano seconds) decided to jump right in! Why not?There's a first time for everything, I love to sew plus I felt honoured and humbled that the mods thought I was worthy of the job.</div>
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What is a Sew Along? It's an online meetup of like-minded souls where everyone sews the same pattern together. Instead of going to each others' houses to sew we're going to meet online, sew together, problem solve, chat about our progress, help any beginners, share images and have fun. The pattern will be broken down into steps and we sew a little bit at a time so that it doesn't become overwhelming.<br />
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If you're anything like me, you can read sewing instructions ten times and still not 'get it'. Believe me you are not alone. That's where the support of your stitching sisters is invaluable.......that and a healthy sense of humour.<br />
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So here we are......only two weeks to go till our Sew Along starts! I've been so looking forward to sharing this stitching journey together.<br />
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I'm also sharing here on my blog. Mainly to give me a peaceful place to nut out each week of the sew along and play around with content and images. So if anyone reading this would like to follow along and sew a garment.....please join in too. You are more than welcome!<br />
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The Sew Along will run over four weeks during the month of February. We will take it slowly, sewing a little bit each week which will give everyone plenty of time before moving on to the next step. This won't be a tutorial as such (I'm certainly no expert) but a place where we can all work through the steps of the pattern together and help each other. Just as if we were actually all sewing together each week at a community hall or in each others' homes.<br />
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The schedule -<br />
Week 1. Fabric choice, washing the fabric, straight grain, measuring accurately, cutting out.<br />
Week 2. Interfacing, yoke, lace, gathering, attaching yoke.<br />
Week 3. Sleeves, side seams, bias binding.<br />
Week 4. Pockets, bottom band, hemming.<br />
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Each week I'll attach links or tutorials that I feel might be helpful or be interesting. We can also post photos of our work relevant to that week in the comments if you would like to.<br />
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The pattern we will be using is New Look 6871 which was chosen because it's rated as 'easy' therefore good for beginner sewists. It has seven sizes in the one pattern, will suit a variety of body shapes, can be lengthened into a dress or nightie and can even be made into a pop-over style pinny for the kitchen with the addition of a couple of big pockets. If you would like to follow along and your local supplier doesn't have this pattern, it can be ordered from <a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/6871-2849" target="_blank">simplicitynewlook.com</a>. I have recently ordered from this site and the UK exchange rate was quite good, with the package taking about 10 days to arrive.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rRZeVaUAls4/WIPY-g2KjZI/AAAAAAAABxM/wdQ_-tu7ocsA-d7AzTmfkbAlx4n5jGADwCLcB/s1600/6871_env_front_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rRZeVaUAls4/WIPY-g2KjZI/AAAAAAAABxM/wdQ_-tu7ocsA-d7AzTmfkbAlx4n5jGADwCLcB/s640/6871_env_front_1.jpg" width="444" /></a><br />
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Here are my experiments so far.<br />
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A pyjama top made from the back of a quilt cover from the op shop. The yoke has been pieced and includes scraps of vintage linens. <br />
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The yoke in progress.<br />
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......and modelled!<br />
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I've got the giggles here as my daughter suggested I try to 'crook' my little finger as if I was trying to be posh. <br />
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This next one is a pop-over style 'pinny' made from two men's denim shirts from the op shop. This is my favourite style of apron because there is no tie at the back of the neck. I wear a lot of these pinnies for comfort and to protect my clothes.....(outrageous cooking skills).<br />
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The bottom band is pieced from scraps of the shirts and is cut a little longer for added over all length.<br />
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This next one has been cut with added length and no bottom band at all to make a dress. The fabric came from my stash. With both this dress and the previous pinny, I've changed the front gathers to a little pleat for an alternative look.<br />
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No chance of winning model of the year for these shots I'm sure!<br />
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So far I haven't spent a great deal of money but have improved my skill and confidence, plus I'm now familiar with how the pattern fits me.<br />
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Your tasks in preparation for the beginning are -<br />
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<li>Think about the type of fabric you would like to use. Perhaps start with something from the op shop to build confidence. You might also like to have a read of <a href="https://blog.colettehq.com/fabric-guides/sewing-garments-with-quilting-cottons" target="_blank">this</a> article on sewing garments with quilting cottons by Colette.</li>
<li>Prepare your sewing space and familiarise yourself with your sewing machine. Know where your sewing machine manual is or download a copy from the internet. </li>
<li>Post a photo of your sewing space if you would like to. Or perhaps a link. I'm not that familiar with blogger so I'm not sure if photos can be posted in the comments.</li>
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Here is my sewing space.</div>
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This room used to be our back porch and we enclosed it to get a little more living space. I sew at the desk and cut out on the kitchen table. I keep all my supplies in the buffet at the back, except for fabric which is out in the shed. You can see my very first electric sewing machine. It's an old Singer which cost me $20 second hand - and I had to lay buy it!</div>
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A final note. The act of stitch enables us to slow down and create beauty that nurtures our spirits. Stitch allows us to make clothing completely from scratch and add to our wardrobes and hearts with garments of utility and beauty. Stitch gives us a place to connect, with ourselves, with the earth and with our community. </div>
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Welcome to the journey. </div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-25113114807341337832017-01-17T06:24:00.000+08:002017-01-17T06:26:24.166+08:00Welcoming the New Year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This year we spent about a week camping up at Lucky Bay with lovely long time friends. Such a peaceful, open, rejuvenating and happy place.</div>
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This spot on the point is locally known as 'Cork'n'all Beach'. There's a gorgeous little spa bath on the left hand side of where we're parked and on the right hand side is the surf. Suits all tastes so it's a fave spot. </div>
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The story goes that Cork'n'all got its name because the girls were down there one evening trying to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew - and you guessed it, ended up drinking the wine cork and all!</div>
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Our little oasis away from the hustle and bustle. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EULvmxDrLyA/WH0ymQbR3vI/AAAAAAAABwc/VC5DBeE0JOYdfz15wzAS0-ogi56f-Mf9wCLcB/s1600/PC300134%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EULvmxDrLyA/WH0ymQbR3vI/AAAAAAAABwc/VC5DBeE0JOYdfz15wzAS0-ogi56f-Mf9wCLcB/s640/PC300134%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To protect the environment we're required to be fully self contained, bringing water and everything else we need......</div>
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Very flash.</div>
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Life up the beach is slow and happy, with days full of swimming, laughter, 'happy-hours' and fun.</div>
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Each year there's a New Year's Day cricket match between the Crays (adults) and the Cackers (kids). If the Crays win one year, the Cackers seem to win the next and visa-versa the following year......very suspicious.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTS6019Sh2s/WH0y1nXVENI/AAAAAAAABwg/VX0pvqgwKdwjnDgE3-TZmljRlRxTWpE0gCLcB/s1600/P1010151%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTS6019Sh2s/WH0y1nXVENI/AAAAAAAABwg/VX0pvqgwKdwjnDgE3-TZmljRlRxTWpE0gCLcB/s640/P1010151%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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.........and the game in full progress. </div>
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I don't actually <i>play</i> cricket. I just sit in the shade (and partake of a refreshing cool beverage or two!) </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Look at that beautiful water. What a way to welcome in the New Year huh?</span></div>
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<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-25553366685820909212016-12-31T14:01:00.001+08:002016-12-31T14:01:59.423+08:00A Year in Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't mean to be away from my blog for this many months. It's been a big year.</div>
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Following redundancies for both of us (eeeek!) in two separate jobs and completely unrelated industries, I've been concentrating on truly getting back to simple living and putting some of my simple living skills to the test. </div>
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I've dipped my toes into some.....and embraced others with gusto.</div>
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Home made slices and 'bakes' are now the norm instead of just for a Fete. <br />
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I've been growing some of our food, preserving our crops and becoming the absolute queen of fermenting. I can't believe we used to only have red sauerkraut at Christmas time for a treat. Now we have gallons of it. <br />
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Making washing powder and household cleaners....that actually work.<br />
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Knitting and wearing shawls, which I previously thought were only for decrepit old people! <br />
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Hand knitted wash cloths now in daily use.<br />
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Home made SOAP!</div>
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I have actually made my first sports bra/swim top. It fits and is comfortable, even when I do an upside down yoga pose. Who would have thought that was even possible.......the sports bra, not the upside down pose (but that too). <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial;"><img alt=":)" class="smile" src="https://images.forums.net/f/smiley/smiley.png" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /></span></div>
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I'm learning to read a crochet pattern.....so excited about this.<br />
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Up-cycling, mending, op-shopping and proud of it. <br />
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Using re-usable disposables and proud of that too.<br />
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Mostly I've learned about the beauty, tranquillity, peace and healing that keeping a gentle home and living a simple life can bring.</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">I wonder what 2017 will bring?</span>Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-80333685079883964992016-03-09T14:55:00.000+08:002016-03-09T14:55:41.674+08:00Upcycled Canvas BagI'm just popping these images onto the blog so that I have a record of all of my 'makes', whether they're easy and fun or a bit more adventurous.<br />
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This one belongs to the 'fun' category.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wB3lbKf43xE/Vt5UB2LD14I/AAAAAAAABvI/HiC-ZGu6feA/s1600/IMG_2479%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wB3lbKf43xE/Vt5UB2LD14I/AAAAAAAABvI/HiC-ZGu6feA/s640/IMG_2479%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A little up-cycling job on a Jackson's canvas bag.<br />
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It was made for Christmas for a very lovely friend, and the peace sign, heart and wings that I appliquéd on were chosen to symbolise 'Peace, Love and Hope'. </div>
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The finished bag was used as a fun wrapping for a Jewelled Slice, made from tropical dried fruits and nuts soaked in copious amounts of alcohol....yum. I never did hear whether the slice made it home in one piece after our boisterous night out partying, laughing and gift giving. Hopefully the bag did it's job!</div>
<br />Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495078329607875859.post-34621837401821142742016-02-06T14:38:00.000+08:002016-02-07T20:11:27.659+08:00Japanese Sewing Books.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love Japanese sewing books. The garments look so calm and serene. I can just imagine floating through the garden wearing a simple hand made linen smock, picking our own home grown fruit and vegetables. Or perhaps sitting at my desk in filtered sunlight wearing a light lace edged shrug, hand writing a letter home, with of course my very best calligraphy pen. In real life though, I trample through an overgrown garden wearing fifteen year old cut off shorts, or quickly tap out a short email to home on my laptop, always with my brain going a hundred miles an hour.<br />
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Somehow in my mind, Japanese sewing books seem synonymous with serenity. </div>
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I even own a couple myself. </div>
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Beautiful aren't they?</div>
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I haven't sewn anything from them yet. <br />
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I don't know what I'm waiting for.... serenity and filtered sunlight? </div>
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All that is about to change however, as I've won a really beautiful book on ebay. This book is just <i>exquisite. </i>Full of graceful, simple, gentle dresses in heritage floral fabrics. Right up my alley.<br />
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Hmmmm......I can feel myself becoming calmer by the second, and can just about smell the roses.<br />
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Oh....wait a minute......</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Whaaaat?</i></div>
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It really is a Japanese sewing book.<br />
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Yep. Written in Japanese.<br />
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It would appear that I'm not the ebay queen I thought I was.</div>
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Fran Pontahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15539698348988170053noreply@blogger.com2