Additions to my sewing workspace

And so in 2012 I decided to take the plunge. It was time to finally get the long overdue and much needed overlocker. Having decided on the perfect model - it's a Bernina 610D, it's now just a question of finalising the purchase and swipe, swipe, swipe! Bernina 610D Overlocker

This will be the perfect addition to my Bernina sewing machine, which I got the previous year. It is still going strong and such a joy to operate!

Bernina Bernette

Since getting these 2 Bernina machines, I had endless hours of joy. Just look at these gorgeous things!

Sewing machine pair

I've also acquired a sewing cabinet so now I can easily close it up when all the sewing has been done and don't have the unsightly view of threads and bits lying around.

To complete my sewing ensemble, I’m bought a little second-hand machine in 2017. It is an Elna 2002 and she will act as my backup machine and travel buddy.

Elna 2002

Every couple of months or so, I get together with my sewing group friends for a few hours to catch up, debate, give advice and sew of course! Ha ha!

Each have our projects with us and so we can look see and maybe learn a thing or two. This little baby is perfect to travel with as she is so much more compact than the Bernina. She is a little “basic”, but a sturdy little machine that doesn’t fuss or bother.

Rani dress-form

Ooooh and my latest (for 2019) is an adjustable dress-form! Her name is Rani and she is standing tall and proud next to the sewing cabinet and did I mention that she is green?  
Her torso did look a little funny to me, but then I found the part that allows for the waist to elongate and she looks so much better for it.

What makes her unique compared to other similar models is that you can try on pants thanks to the little gap in the front for a pants crotch.

Rani dress-form

 And so my workspace is complete. For now…. 

I would like an improvement on the space I currently have for all my creative endeavours…maybe a studio in the future? I will add that to Santa’s list.

Blouse embroidery and upcycle

I found this very plain white blouse on a sale rack, and had the idea that I could make it into something special with the stock of pearl beads and embroidered flowers that I have left from past projects in my stash.

Here is a snapshot where I'm getting my ideas together and playing with the placement of the flowers and pearl beads.

And here is another snapshot of the end result.

Ok, so I did sit with needle and thread carefully hand stitching  the flowers and pearl beads, often times late into the night. But now I have a unique and feminine blouse that I can throw on should the occasion arise for formal business attire. 

I'm very happy with how it turned out.

I've done some other garment upcycling and will post them as well in due course. 

Future project: Quilted Jacket

I spotted a quilted jacket on "Pinterest" this morning, and spent some time looking for more ideas and different techniques and felt so inspired by the many examples out there!

 Below are images from the quilted jacket designs that I spotted to give you an idea.

From what information I got is that you should start with a simple pattern and size it for a loose-fitting garment. Essentially, to make the quilted effect, the 3 layers of materials are stitched together.

Initially cut out the pieces larger than the pattern and do the stitching, then cut out according to the pattern pieces. This is to make provision for the movement and shrinkage of the fabric from the stitching.

The quilting bit is supposed to take the most time, so I'm wondering whether I will find any beautiful fabrics that are already quilted? Mmmm… lets keep that option open for now and see if I can find suitable pieces at the fabric shop.

Then the pieces are sewn together, and the edges are tidied up with bias binding strips that can be easily made.

I've even spotted a pattern and sew-along for the quilted "Tamarack Jacket" on this blog: Grainline studio

So here are some of the retail designs that I was inspired by, from designers Youki, Isabel Marant and Wilfred Jonquille.

With winter coming soon, I will add this project to my list of sewing projects for this year.

Youki quilted Jacket

Isabel Marant quilted denim jacket

Wilfred Jonquille quilted jacket

Follow up on the Silk Wrap dress

I realise now that I've never posted the final result of the silk wrap dress and decided it's time I rectified that.

It was a beautiful project and I still enjoy wearing the dress, years later. The delicate silk and satin  fabric has held strong after many wears and washes. Below is a little snapshot from a morning out with me wearing it.

Red stretch jersey-knit dress

And so the day starts with me looking in the cupboard for something to wear to work...…It is just so liberating to be able to put a work outfit together with one of my creations!

I've decided on the red dress, inserted below, that I finished a few months ago. The fabric is so amazing close up, all shiny and super luxurious with a nice 2 way stretch. Perfect for the project I had in mind.

Knipmode Apr18 Jurk17

The pattern is from a sewing magazine called Knipmode, the April 2018 edition. The panels are not very clear on the final product, so I've included a schematic of the model. It was super easy to put together and sooo comfortable to wear, and so I'm very pleased with how it came out. 

a quick selfie