Odette dress

I made this dress for the Perfect Pattern Parcel #6.

It is the Odette dress pattern by Bluegingerdoll.

At the time I made it my partner who is my resident photographer was away on a surf trip so I didn't get as many shots up as I'd like. I met up with him on the surf trip and he managed to snap a few shots off for me.

As I mentioned in the previous post the dress was an easy one day sewing project. Cutting and pasting the pattern was probably the most time consuming but once that was done it was a very easy dress to sew.

I used a gorgeous Liberty print from Tessuti fabrics which has colourful little pears all over it. A very retro vibe to it which fits well with the Odette dress pattern.

I didn't add the little insert at the centre front as I thought it looked a bit constricting so I added some buttons for decoration instead. I also shortened it so it sits above the knee. It made me look a bit frumpy below the knee as I'm very "petite".

I would definitely recommend this pattern for beginners and intermediate sewists.

Odette Dress

This is the latest Pattern Parcel #6.

 

I have been super duper busy lately and haven't had any time at all to sew so this dress was made in a day and I have had to do some "selfies" as my partner who is also my photographer is away on a boys surf trip. I tried to get my kids to take some photos but it just didn't work out at all.

As the sale ends today I figured getting any shots up at all is better than nothing. I will put some better shots up soon I promise.

I decided to go with the Odette dress by Bluegingerdoll this time around. I love all the slouchy knits in the parcel but I had a gorgeous liberty print which I purchased from Tessuti fabrics that I was dying to use. It's has all these cute little colourful pears on it which fits in perfectly with the vintage vibe to this dress.

The pattern took me FOREVER to cut and paste together. I think I took more time doing this than actually sewing it. Once the fabric was cut it was a pretty easy dress to sew. The only design on the dress I wasn't keen on was the little insert at the centre front. I decided to delete it as it looked like it was really constricting. I may add some buttons as an accessory later down the track.

The fabric was lovely to sew and really suits this style of dress.  The pattern came together really well and I would definitely recommend it.

                                                 

Under construction

Pattern Parcel # 6 includes

Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl (exclusive release!)
Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren
Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations
Hudson Pant by True Bias
Zsalya Dress by Kate and Rose

BONUS PATTERN: Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll  (this is the one I have sewn).

Bonus Pattern:
Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That's only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt.  The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

How Pattern Parcel Works:
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

The Maxwell Shirt - Pattern Parcel #4

I made this cute little shirt for The Perfect Pattern Parcel #4. The theme is boys this time around which is great as I have two little models waiting and ready.

Originally, I decided to make the shirt for my eight year old but when I finished it, it was a little small as the largest size is 7/8 so my six year old was the lucky model for this project. The shirt pattern I chose is the Maxwell Top by Shwin Designs. I’ve been super busy lately (Bali, Skiing, racing bikes poor me) and haven’t had a lot of time for sewing so I only managed one outfit.

I used a gorgeous Italian100% printed cotton which I picked up at Tessuti from the remnant table. I only needed just under a meter for this shirt. I have another meter left so I think I’ll make a little something for myself with the left over fabric.

I added some reflector tape to the pockets for a bit of interest and a skull woven badge I’ve had stashed away for a while on the back yoke.

The instructions are a little tricky so I would recommend if you are a beginner to go slowly and read thoroughly before jumping into it.

The studs drove me crazy to start with because I couldn’t figure out which pieces went together. Once I figured it out I hammered them in no problem.

     In the end I’m happy with the result. Noah loves it and I couldn't ask for more than that.

Just a recap on what The Pattern Parcel is all about.

“Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donors choose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've 

raised $9,800 towards eliminating educational inequality.”

Here are the patterns included in the parcel.

Maxwell Top by Shwin Designs
Zippy Jacket by Blank Slate Patterns
Schoolboy Vest by Sew Much Ado
Small Fry Jeans by Titchy Threads
Jet Pack Bag by Betz White

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $26 or greater for Parcel #4 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is Knight Hoodie by Charming Doodle. This pattern is a unique and fun spin on the traditional hoodie. Thorough instructions and pictures help you create an amazing and memorable hoodie that will inspire creativity in your little one.

Fringe Dress

Tessuti are running another competition which closes tonight! I bought the fabric a while ago and pinned a few ideas to my pinterest board but like always, left it literally to the last minute (again!).

Update: I was awarded a runner up prize! Thankyou so much Tessuti!

The competition requires that you use Tessuti's fabric which is a Jersey that comes in black/natural or ecru/natural.  Make whatever YOU like! Sew something that suits you and that you'd like to wear.
Sounds like a fun project.

I bought a couple of meters of both colourways but chose ecru/natural for the dress I had in mind.

The fabric is beautiful. It is a really nice mid weight jersey which is gorgeous to sew.

I instantly loved a Sauce dress I found on ASOS which is a simple little dress but is a little edgy with a fringe in the same fabric. It's such a fun dress and I like to think that I'm a fun girl.

I used a Kwik Sew pattern 3777 for the dress which is actually a top so I added a few inches to make a short dress.  As I was on holiday's when I made the dress I didn't have an overlocker on hand so I used a very narrow zig zag and a stretch needle. I used a twin needle for the hem.

 I then made the  fringe by cutting a wide strip of the jersey, cutting slits and then pulling it so the fabric curled. It looked just like the Sauce dress so I was pretty happy with that.

 I attached the fringe by hand sewing in place and then top stitching so the fringe faces away from the centre front.

I am really happy with the way it has turned out. I have more fabric so I might try a top next time with the same  fringe technique.

Under construction

Sauce Fringe Dress from ASOS

Fingers crossed Tessuti will like it too.

Staple Dress for Perfect Pattern Parcel 3

This little number is part of a fun project called Perfect Pattern Parcel.

I was kindly asked if I would participate and how could I say no as it supports Indy designers and raises funds for children's education. Win Win!

I chose the Staple dress because it looked more my style than any of the other patterns. I chose the "mullet" hem rather than the straight hem as I think it adds a little more interest to the dress.

 The dress is super easy to sew and very quick to sew as well. I whipped it up in an afternoon. I can't even remember where I found the fabric but I think it was a Spotlight bargain and is a japanese cotton voile. Perfect weight for this type of dress.

The photos were taken this weekend in Robe, South Australia. We are here on a holiday as it is a long weekend in Australia (celebrating the Queens birthday).

The dress has a shirred waistline. I added three rows of stitching. This is easy so don't be afraid. 

The pattern has great photos included so you can't go wrong.

 I also added a bit of broderie anglaise lace to the hemline as I thought it needed a bit of something special.

Robe is full of history and a perfect location for a photo shoot.

I hope you can support this project and enjoy your sewing.


Here is a little background from Perfect Pattern Parcel:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised almost $4,500 towards eliminating educational inequality.

The Pattern Parcel Number 3 includes

Poppy Tunic by Make it Perfect 

Water Bottle Tote by Radiant Home Studio 

Jorna Tank Dress by Jenna Brand 

Staple Dress by April Rhodes 

Bombshell Swimsuit by Closet Case Files

Bonus Pattern: Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #3 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is Prefontaine Shorts for Women by Made with Moxie. This shorts pattern has a retro trim, loads of pockets, two inseams and are so comfortable you won't want to take them off. Includes sizes 0 - 24. Exclusive launch on Pattern Parcel. Be the first to own this pattern! 

Pattern Parcel Number 3

Zebra Harem Bomber Jacket

This jacket was inspired by the stylish version of Sophie at Cirque Du Bebe's bomber jacket. After seeing Sophie's gorgeous version of the bomber I thought I'd better sew myself one.

The fabric is from the Fabric Store in Fitzroy.  I don't shop there often because it's on the other side of town  but worth the trip as the shop has some really nice fabrics. This fabric is a print with lots of little zebras.  I'm not sure of the composition exactly but it's a medium weight woven with a little bit of elastane in it.  I only bought 1 meter thinking that I would make a little skirt but as usual it was folded away and forgotten about until I started thinking about the bomber. I thought it would pretty funky in a bomber.

The pattern is from Burdastyle Magazine Feb 2013. They call it a "blouson jacket" which sounds more posh than a bomber.  The pattern requires exactly 1 meter of fabric so it's perfect for any off cuts you might have. It's also lined so I bought a satin lining in a gold colour to add a bit of glamour to my zebra's.

When I first looked at the pattern I thought this will be quick and easy but it was probably a little bit more involved than I thought when it came to the lining. Not that it was difficult but definitely hard to understand the directions in the magazine so if you don't have a lot of experience following patterns or sewing it might prove to be challenging.

I chose a metal open end zip as I think this adds a bit more style than just the plastic zips.

I'm really happy with this jacket and I'm sure I'll get plenty of wear out of it now it's cooling off here in Melbourne. Easy to slip on over a tee with some jeans or even dress it up with a nice dress underneath.

Recommend the pattern but for intermediate sewers.