ouch! the sewing bug bit me!

ok, there has been a lot of sewing happening these last few weeks. the wardrobe is coming along nicely, and thanks to using some old favourite patterns, there haven't been too many disasters or horrible fitting surprises. di was staying with me last week and the time was spent in a whirlwind of shopping, plotting, sewing and coffee. we also managed to sew a top each from the same pattern. neither of us do this kind of sewalong much, but it turned out great for both of us.

leopard print cowl neck

i used a poly jersey from the sale table at textile traders (love those sale fabrics!), and the pattern was from knipmode magazine October 2011 supplement, design #105. at first we thought the top would be too short, but it fits well and would be really good with a skirt. hop over to di's blog to see her version of this pattern and if it's not on there yet, stalk her until she puts it up! (sorry di).

i also finished off a coat i've been making as part of my wardrobe plan. it's made from a thick flannel type fabric from my stash, and is unlined. the pattern is from knipmode again, this time i used September 2010, design #10.

toasted marshmallow coat

the pattern was for loden, a thick felted wool, but as far as i know you can't get this fabric in Australia. the flannel i used didn't fray much so i thought it would be ok. then i tried to get the coat on and realised i would have to at least line the sleeves, so after much dithering that's what i did. i also bound the front and lower edges with satin binding; i just couldn't leave the edges raw like the pattern suggested. it goes against all the sewing lore (law) my mum has taught me!

designer collar

i love the extra details knipmode offers in their patterns, and as in this case, they aren't difficult once you decipher the instructions.

that's a closure!

overall, i'm pretty happy with this "toasted marshmallow coat". its cosy and stylish, the only problem is that its a bit on the tight side, especially the sleeves and back. i don't normally have this fitting problem, so i assume loden must have a little more stretch in it than my fabric did, or i scoffed too many lollies while i was translating the dutch instructions!