SEWAHOLIC LONSDALE – a case of Lonsdalitis confirmed

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Hello Lonsdale.

Sewaholic Lonsdale - front view

Sewaholic Lonsdale – front view

Yes, once again I have been afflicted with another Sewaholic condition. This one I’ve nicknamed Lonsdalitis. (Sorry feeling tired and my imagination is poor today – if you come up with a better medical term for this condition please let me know and I amend).

This is the Sewaholic Lonsdale dress – purchased from Sew Squirrel (where I get my Sewaholic & Colette Pattern – she also stocks Megan Nielsen, Jalie, By Hand London, Made by Rae and now some haberdashery I noticed! I’m trying hard not to purchase any sewing patterns for a few month as I’m saving for the April/May London trip – woo hoo!

To be honest it took me awhile to succumb to this pattern. I just didn’t think it would suit me. Clearly I’m stoopid and required a bossy personal stylist (or perhaps learn to turn a deaf ear to that nasty little lady that lives inside my head – you know the one – I think she haunts us all), as I think it does quite suit me after all.

When I saw this sweet navy/red/white voile in Spotlight it was destined to be a Lonsdale – the size of the print and the whimsical style just seemed perfect for this graceful sundress.

I did make a mistake when I purchased this… I didn’t think it was directional. I just thought it was random daisies. When I laid it out to cut it – I discovered the vast majority of the daisy stems pointed in one direction. Ooooops.

Sewaholic Lonsdale

Sewaholic Lonsdale – pushing up daisies in the right direction

What to do? I certainly didn’t want my Lonsdale to be ‘pushing up daisies’ in the wrong direction! Well one of the blessings of being a not-so-well-endowed vertically-challenged individual means that I cut a Sewaholic size 0 so I can often fit more across the width of the fabric than the pattern layout indicates. So with a bit of wiggling and jiggling I almost squeezed it out. Almost. The straps of the bodice are enormous – very very very long, nearly a metre! I could not get four complete front bodices out of the fabric – so I simply pieced the straps and used these bodice pieces as the lining. And due to the print being ‘so busy’ its hard to find the seam. Woo hoo for Lizzy!

Lonsdale strap join

Lonsdale strap join

While I cut this dress out as size 0 I cut the skirt at a size 16 length. For me, I like the flared skirts to be longer, I think it creates a nicer silohette on my frame. I think it balances the flare of the skirt and the bare shoulders, it makes it more graceful than cute. I’m not much chop in the cute department (not that I’m at all gracious either – but its more fun to pretend to be gracious than cute). Then again I could just be a ‘grandma’ about these things. Some people have commented that I look very 70s… I’m hoping they mean era and not age. 😉 I think it would make a rather fabulous maxi in the right fabric.

Sewaholic Lonsdale - the front view

Sewaholic Lonsdale – the front view

I also attached some simple cotton trim to the hem…

Sewaholic Lonsdale, the hem

Sewaholic Lonsdale, the hem – with a little bit of trim…

I made no muslin (naughty Lizzy *giggle*) I figured my Cambie are a nice snug fit so this would be so too. NOT TRUE. It was a little too loose in the back and given the nature of this bodice I decided it had to be fixed. I did consider pulling it all apart – instead I cheated *giggle*. I ran two darts in the back near the strap loops, tapering down to nothing above the waistband. Worked a treat and as this is such a busy print and it has the back bow, it’s not noticeable. Plus I wanted to wear it to a Christmas party the next day.

Sewaholic Lonsdale - the back view

Sewaholic Lonsdale – the back view

This is a seriously easy dress to make, yes even though it is lined and has a zipper.

I put in a standard dress zipper as that’s what the pattern calls for. Next time I’m going invisible (no not like the Emperor’s New Clothes! I’m talking about the zipper!) especially if I’m using a fabric like voile or lawn (which is my favorite poison in the fabric department).

I would also cut the straps slightly longer next time, rather like Boo Dogg & Me did recently.

Speaking about zippers – my Coats & Clark pack arrived which I won on Pattern Review for this dress. I was expecting a few zippers. There is a ton! They also sent me a cute as a button thread package – AND a gorgeous tin. Awwww ain’t it cute!!! Polka dots, camo, silver, gold – it’s amazing!

Pattern Review have released their 2013 competitions – I think I might try to enter some this year – for no other reason than it provides a goal – I’m a goal orientated person!

Coats & Clark Zippers

Coats & Clark Zippers

Plus I forgot to mention that I also made an apron for my MIL for Christmas. It’s SQUEE cute. She loved it (I’m pretty sure she did anyway. She phoned up ELH to tell him she did which is a good sign, don’t you think?).

Sorry not my best photos – the sun glare was awful and I had to stand in the shade so I didn’t squint like I was 70!

Stitched-up Christmas

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Ok so it’s already 4th January and I still haven’t blogged my 2013 plans – or even my Christmas presents – or my Lonsdale – or my just-finished MacCalls 6611 jacket – or the cardigan I finished knitting – or the lounge cushions I made… if you follow me on Twitter (I’m SewBusyLizzy – yes go figure) you might have seen some of my excessive creative output in the last month. Yes I’ve been SewBusy – although it didn’t feel that way!! Weird.

Good things come to those who wait! Blog posts to come on all of the above.

Today it shall just be my considerable Christmas pile.

First up – the most exciting box under the tree! All the way from New York and from GingerMakes herself!

From Ginger Makes

From Ginger Makes

Yes I had to lie down and fan myself… and get up and stroke the fabric again. Awwww this is going to make such a pretty girly dress!! It’s a deep navy background and a cotton sateen – a fabric I just adore – it’s so agreeable and friendly. I think in fabric store beauty contests it wins Miss Congeniality every time. Some grosgrain ribbon (this stuff feels beautiful – it must be the real stuff), thread, zippers (invisible and ‘normal’ – talk about thoughtful!) AND a vintage pattern. And if you want to see what I sent Ginger Makes – check it out here (don’t get too jealous about the rayon – it was Christmas)… I’m actually seriously tempted to go back and get some of that graphic print sateen for myself… but would that be blog-stalky weird??

A huge round of applause to the beautiful Vicki Kate behind the Very Merry Christmas Swap idea.

Then from the beloved ELH himself….

from ELH

from ELH

Yes, yes, we all love ELH don’t we? That’s the Couture Sewing handbook and the Papercut Watson Jacket pattern (which says an expert level of sewing competence is required. eeek). Once I figure out a way to clone ELH, I’m setting up an Etsy shop and I’ll post a link here ASAP, I promise.

And then from my parents-in-law…

Fabrics from The Fabric Store, Sydney. Double-faced knit and wool!

Fabrics from The Fabric Store, Sydney. Double-faced knit and wool!

Black/purple weave wool for a Basic Design Vogue jacket (I’ve got some deep purple lining for this jacket waiting) I like this jacket, it’s simple & classic. Plus more of double faced Marc Jacobs knit – this time in pink/fawn. Not sure if it will be another hoodie… perhaps a waterfall casual cardie instead… I’ll wait til the fabric lets me know its thoughts. These fabrics are from The Fabric Store in Sydney… oh how I love that shop, such a lovely space – even ELH was impressed.

Then I got a $30 Spotlight voucher. I’m trying to decide to get some sateen for a work dress or some fabric for my Watson jacket (hopefully a wearable muslin). Such momentous decisions!

Then the week before Christmas the delightful Anne of Pretty Grievances sent me a surprise pack with not one but two patterns in it. I knew one was coming but she popped this one in…

from my personal stylist

from my personal stylist

I’m not sure how she knew I strike those poses at work regularly – but there you go! I have fabric already to go. I just love it when someone suggests something for me to try – sewing isn’t just about sewing things I know I like but trying things I think I might like – or I’ve never tried. It’s a journey. Thank you Anne! (pssst I’m going to take part in Jungle January – another new thing for me – animal print!!)

Then on Christmas Eve – I know it’s been as season of decadence (I’m not a big festive eater so I have to bulge in other areas) – there was a package from the gorgeous Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow waiting for me at the post office! A bag and cutest wreath you have ever seen (made by Gillian herself – she is so clever!) AND a needle case. And the bag is in that groovy washi fabric! AND that’s some silk organza as well – the fabric of legend that I cannot buy in my town! Thank you xox.

from Gorgeous Gillian

from Gorgeous Gillian

I have packages for both these ladies but need some time to get to the post office. I had to send Scruffy Badger’s Pattern Pyramid package off this week and OMG how expensive is postage to the UK?? It’s not expensive – it’s obscene!! Does the Queen herself deliver the UK mail? That would take a long time as her car is veeeerrrry slow and then there is all that genteel waving to do – but perhaps Prince Phillip could chip in and toss the parcels out of the window as they go? So I’ll save my pennies for my next overseas post soon, I promise!

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments and wishes over the last few weeks – I luff you all 😉

Stacks of things to blog over the next couple of weeks – watch this space.

xxx

TOP 5 2012: Inspirations

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Top 5 of 2012
I’m running a little behind schedule on the Top 5 2012 posts. I got hammered with a flu for a couple of days after Christmas so I collapsed in a heap.

Back on track and here is my Top 5 2012 Inspirations posts – inspired by Gillian! 🙂

The Clever Clogs

Liza Jane, House of Pinheiro, Maria Denmark.
These bloggers seems to turn their hand to so many things it makes me dizzy!

Funny Girls

Pretty Grievances and Bimble & Pimble. It’s a good thing I can sew! You both write side-splittingly funny posts. Continue the rad writing & sewing.

The Sweethearts

I felt like I’ve really connected with this people through my blog, their blogs and Twitter. It’s more than being inspired by sewing and FOs, it’s about being inspired by people’s thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity. Here’s cheers to GingerMakes, Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow, Vicki Kate Makes, Kim-ing, Suzy Bee Sews, All the Whimsical Things , Couture Academic , SewSquirrel and My Messings and all the girls listed as Clever Clogs & Funny Girls. There are more but I’m becoming exhausted by all this ‘hyperlinking’. If you are not listed it’s not cos I don’t love you – I just need to go love my kids and take them to the beach…

It seems appropriate to nominate all of the above for the Very Inspiring and Lovely Blogger Award. In the past week I’ve been nominated twice for the Very Inspiring & One Lovely Blogger award by Thewallina and Penny Librarian. Thank you so much 🙂 I’ve been nominated before so you can read 7 things about me (I could write another 7 things but I might destroy my non-existent mystique BAHAHAHA) and what you need to do if you choose to pass it on here…

In a class all of their own…

Handmade by Carolyn. Just completely and utterly fabulous.

Goodbye Valentino. She gave up RTW (designer stuff!) for a year and continues to abstain. I’m on the verge of doing so myself (but I don’t buy designer labels – I wish!! So it’s probably not such a great sacrifice!).

MadewithHugs&Kisses nominated me for Blog of the Year – which means you get a Star. I think Carolyn deserves a star too…

Last and not least…

And I guess my 6th source of inspiration (yes I know it’s supposed to be 5 things but I’m going overboard because my head is always overflowing with ideas) falls outside blogland. *gasp* there is such a place! It’s simply everyday life. Whether it’s television, movies, magazines, books, RTW shops or people in the street, I find myself analysing cuts, fabrics, styles and translating these into my own makes.

Oh dear my next post shall be my 2013 goals. Scary stuff.

IN OTHER SEWBUSYLIZZY SEWING NEWS

I have been ridiculously busy lately. I’ve made a Lonsdale, knitted a cardigan, finishing off a jacket and made some new funky cushion covers. And weirdly I don’t even feel like I’ve been sewing much…

I got heaps of new sewing stuff in the last couple of weeks… including an awesome Merry Christmas Swap from Sonja of Gingermakes (you can see what I sent her here – now don’t get jealous!), a thoughtful package from Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow, some awesome patterns from Pretty Grievances, my zipper package from Coats & Clark from winning the Pattern Review competition – and then a few Christmas presents. Will blog soon!!

ANOTHER AWARD

Finally to find I have been nominated for an award… the Blog of the Year Award!

Blog of the Year Award banner 600

As part of this award you collect stars – there are a total of six stars to collect – and I love this because it means you can be nominated by multiple people and find out who likes your blog and what people think of it. This is my very first star. I was nominated by MadewithHugs&Kisses

So without further ado, here are the rules for the Blog of The Year 2012 Award.

The ‘rules’ for this award are simple:

  1. Select another blog or other blogs who deserve the ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award;
  2. Write a blog post and tell us about the blog(s) you have chosen – there’s no minimum or maximum number of blogs required – and ‘present’ them with their award;
  3. Include a link back to this page ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Awardat theThought Palette and provide these ‘rules’ in your post (please don’t alter the rules or the badges!)
  4. Let the blog(s) you have chosen know that you have given them this award and share the ‘rules’ with them
  5. You can now also join our Facebook group – click ‘like’ on this page ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award Facebook groupand then you can share your blog with an even wider audience
  6. As a winner of the award – please add a link back to the blog that presented you with the award – and then proudly display the award on your blog and sidebar … and start collecting stars…

Here are the images to collect:

Blog of the Year Award 1 star thumbnail

Blog of the Year Award 2 star thumbnail Blog of the Year Award 3 star thumbnailBlog of the Year Award 4 star thumbnail Blog of the Year Award 5 star thumbnailBlog of the Year Award 6 star thumbnail

And I nominate everyone listed in my post above!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PATTERN PYRAMID WINNER

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A very quick post!

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it! I’m exhausted after a very long day of Santa presents, two family meals, breakfast with friends, lots of children and warm weather!

Sorry it’s a tad late but I threw everybody’s name into a spreadsheet and then used the random number generator at random.org – I would have documented this via images but it’s Christmas and I’m just soooooo tired! And tomorrow, depending on the weather, it’s anoth long day of cricket in the sun etc. I need to sleep – or rather slip into a temporary coma.

So the winner of the Pattern Pyramid is…

SCRUFFY BADGER!

I will be keeping the Jiffy pattern, I’ve worn it three times this week, including this afternoon. I can’t bear to part with it. So I’m throwing TWO patterns into the mix as I feel bad… although that little pattern went unremarked until my round. My husband thinks its just the magical lighthouse photo, unusual fabric and remarked that if I took of the belt you would all realise it’s just a little sack.

Simplicity Jiffy 4977

Simplicity Jiffy 4977

I got sewing goodies today – I will share as soon as Christmas madness ends!

Top 5 2012: Reflections

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Top 5 of 2012

So here are some of the thoughts that have been buzzing around my head about as I reflect on 2012, the year I returned to sewing…

Sewing makes me happy
Yes, this might seem logical – why do it otherwise? However I like to keep this front of mind. I sew because I really think it’s good for my soul. In 2012 I found much personal satisfaction and happiness in rediscovering my creative side – both sewing and blogging/writing.

‘Me’ time is important time
I’m in a phase of my life where I have many not-negotiable commitments in my life. I have two children, a husband a full-time job and more. It’s physically draining and time-consuming. It’s easy to let these things completely rule your life. This year I’ve learnt to celebrate the fact that despite all of this, these demands do not define me. That sounds simple but when you have so many people depending on you and needing you, it can be difficult to remember just who ‘you’ really are, to take time out and relax. Sewing is my yoga, my mediation, where I find my sense of peace.

I’ve ‘met’ some of the best people I have never met
I’m sure we are all surprised at how many lovely people we all now ‘know’ through blogging, tweeting etc. I certainly never expected this as an outcome of blogging. I marvel at how connected the sewing blogging community is. This is one of the most amazing niches in my life, the friendliness, support and kindness that is part everyday blogging and tweeting life is amazing. We all should be proud to be part of this. You guys are amazing, the smiles, giggles and colour that you bring to my life is to be treasured.

My style is evolving
Now I’m not sure I’ve got ‘style’ but my personal approach to my wardrobe is evolving. I’ve become much more critical of buying new clothes (in fact there has been very little of that in 2012!) and how RTW is constructed. In 2012 I’ve become more aware of exactly how clothes look on me and what suits me ­– and what I prefer. The whole blogging process is enormously helpful in this area – the pattern & fabric selection, the construction, the photography, the written review –the process of building a wardrobe becomes much more thoughtful and rewarding. It’s not just about instant gratification at the cash register – which seems even more hollow than ever before.

ELH
I married to a kind, generous, thoughtful man who supports and encourages me. I’ve nicknamed him ELH (Ever Lovin’ Husband) on the blog and it’s true. This year he’s cheerfully endured my mad pattern and fabric purchasing, got a new camera so my blog pictures are better, driven me to fabric stores, read my blog (and others so he knows that I’m prattling on about) and taken endless photos of me. He’s a gem.
I often joke that we have been married for so long because I’m nearly 14 inches shorter and he just can’t hear me ranting and raving. Now I am also buried under a pile of fabric – but I suspect he could just be my soul mate 🙂

This Top 5 series has been inspired by Gillian at Crafting a Rainbow…

PS – I haven’t forgotten about the Pattern Pyramid or the awards I have recently received. Christmas has just got in the way – I think it will be a Boxing Day announcement! Hang on people!!