What is happening?

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Charlotte

Guess what?

I have started this great Lekala pattern to make a lovely dress. Kind of colourblock, fitted – the same thing that you can find in the shops right now.

I almost finished it (actually went quite well) but I have trouble locating a zip. Well, I don’t want just any zip, but an exposed zip, or how it is called in the UK – a centered zip.

This is just too funny that fabric shops in the UK only stock fabric and no haberdashery.

Anybody any ideas? Do you know any haberdashery shops in around West London? Then please let me know. Many thanks in advance ;-)

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Fabrics Galore

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Charlotte

Well, January is almost over and I must ask for your forgiveness at the lack of posts. The Lekala dress is in progress, I have made the bodice and the full lining, I just need to hunt down a zip now to make it cool.

However, over the weekend I discovered a really cool place to buy fabric. Fabrics Galore in Clapham Junction, South London.

You know, I have just moved closer to Goldhawk Road, a fabric heaven in West London. Yet I must say, as great as it is to shop at Goldhawk Road, Fabrics Galore is much better. First of all, it is a massive store fully stocked of gorgeous fabrics, quirky prints at great price.

They usually sell ends of the range or left-over designer fabrics, so if you’re into proper gorgeous designer prints then this is the place for you. Also, their turnover is high, as they are really the last place to sell fabric, so you must buy your favourite on the day.

They are located at 52-54 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London Sw11 5RH. Nearest train station: Clapham Junction or you could take a bus from Clapham Common.

                    

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In progress: Lekala 5873 – Part II. The Bodice

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Charlotte

If you’ve ever bought a Lekala pattern and tried to figure out the cryptic instruction pages, then read on. I managed to decipher them!

First of all, the instructions call for fine suiting fabric made of natural or synthetic fibres. So, you must prepare your fabric by washing and ironing.

Then,

1. I applied interfacing to the Front and Back Waistband. Although the instructions don’t call for it, I do think it’s good idea to stabilize the waistband.

2. Sew panels of Bodice Front, Bodice Back and Shoulder Seams together. Attention: curved seams on the front – I actually drew the seam on the wrong side of fabric and followed it slowly on the machine.

3. Sew together at sides Front and Back Waistband.

4. Attach Waistband to Bodice.

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What a year! 2011

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Charlotte

Well, here it is. 2012 has arrived and I sincerely wish all the best for you all.

So, what happened in my part of the World in 2011? So much!!!

To start with: I started my blog in January to record my attempts at sewing a wardrobe and pledged myself to sew a garment every week!!! Well, that didn’t happen. Although, I still managed 7 tops, 6 skirts, 4 dresses, 1 jacket and 5 different ways to embellish my jumpers! Yeah!!! (here you can check them all out)

Don’t get me wrong, I had all the good intentions but I was a bit naive to think it is possible to fit work, housework and sewing into a week. For a while I managed it OK but then I rushed a lot and it showed on the garments I produced.

However, I have learnt a lot. I discovered sites with free sewing patterns, here, here and here. I tried and failed at making buttonholes - apparently I need to service the machine, I figured out how to use Burda patterns, made chevron - my all time love affair, and used piping on my Coffee Date dress.

I also assembled a list of fabric shops in Paris, and after moving away in October, I was starting another fabric shop list in London, too.

So, what’s in store for 2012? I’ll keep making garments, probably dresses, tops and skirts. Also, maybe one or two jacket. And I’ll keep learning new things, working with new fabrics and hopefully getting better and better.

What’s in store for you for 2012? ;-)

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In progress: Lekala 5873 – Part I

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Charlotte

Well, making progress with the Lekala pattern 5873. I usually don’t make a muslin because I tend to choose fairly easy patterns.

This one doesn’t seem too difficult but I’ve never bought patterns ‘made-to-measure’ so I was a bit anxious to try it out. And must say – it works!!! It fits really well!!

Although I would like to point out some things:

It is quite easy to put together the pieces (I haven’t sewn them together yet, just pinned them) but some pattern descriptions are a bit off. There is nothing wrong with the obvious ‘Center Upper Front Part’ a.k.a. ‘The Bodice’ but for example the pieces called ‘Front Insert’ and ‘Back Insert’ are actually the Waistband for the front and for the back.
Also, the piece called ‘Trimming’ is the piece that goes on the side of the skirt as a design element. Oh, and the piece called ‘Rukav Krylshko’ is actually the ‘Sleeve’. At first I thought the ‘Trimming’ was the Sleeve.

Apart from these three misnamings, the pattern pieces are pretty self-explanatory. Although, there is no neckline and armhole facing, and no mention of interfacing either.

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