tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120199352024-03-08T02:28:10.713+00:00Lazy SeamstressJeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.comBlogger1010125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-77033187063496532512018-01-17T11:08:00.001+00:002018-01-17T11:09:18.066+00:00Spinning Plates !<br />
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Wow! Hi there! It's been a while, is there anyone out there still reading?<br />
Don't
you hate the culture of "busy"? I know I do, but you know what, I have
been really flipping busy! I started a new job last April as a Textile
Technician at my local sixth form college. Only two days a week, but add
that to my work at<a href="http://www.ministryofcraft.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Ministry of Craft </a>and for <a href="http://www.sewnowmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew Now magazine,</a> plus the volunteer work I do for<a href="https://www.laleche.org.uk/" target="_blank"> LLLGB </a>and my <a href="http://calegreenwi.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">WI sewing group.</a>.....hmmm you get the picture?<br />
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I
am determined to manage my time better this year, and set realistic
goals.I'm keeping a bullet journal ( not a pretty one, or I'd spend all
my time doing the pretty and not the stuff! ), plus I have again bought
the fabulous<a href="https://makersbusinesstoolkit.com/makers-yearbook/" target="_blank"> Makers Yearbook </a>which I hope will keep me on track.<br />
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I
have of course sewn for myself in little pockets of time, plus a couple
of quilty gifts for special people....though I am so not a quilter!!<br />
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This
year though I'm going for quality over quantity; I'm not promising I
wont run something up quick when the impulse takes me, but I feel I need
a good quality basic wardrobe, and for me that is classic fit and flare
styles, and because I have a passion for good <a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/2017/01/a-good-foundation.html" target="_blank">underpinnings</a>, and can NEVER find a decent underslip that fits my boobs, I'm adding those to my to do list too!<br />
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So, if anyone is still out there, let me know in the comments what your sewing (or otherwise) plans are for 2018.<br />
<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-69152495081538919542017-06-02T14:07:00.001+00:002017-06-02T14:07:39.930+00:00Shed Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is at this time of year, when I can fling open the doors to my shed that I probably love it most. In the winter I love it because it is cosy, but the summer gives it a whole different feeling. I think it's about 3 years now since I took over the garden shed and made it mine. I'm so very glad I did too. Our house has 7 people in it and the shed is my quiet little sanctuary.<br />
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Sadly though, I am outgrowing it. I have a studio space in a nearby mill which I am very lucky to share, but more and more I am hankering after a larger space in the garden.<br />
I've been looking online and making plans. I have measured up and I think I can get something decently sized which means I could have all of my sewing and art equipment in one place, instead of spread between the house,studio and shed.<br />
So, I'm trying to save up...it might take me a while!<br />
Dream with me a little though.......<br />
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Look at this beauty from <a href="https://www.waltons.co.uk/greenacre-corner-lodge-grande-left-sided-log-cabin" target="_blank">Waltons Sheds</a><br />
Or this one....<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab42kNiOOXs/WTFvZtIq78I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/APz41-PXgDwN5d1ieF-EWhLhY0TPfiC1ACLcB/s1600/6853-635829322125900937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab42kNiOOXs/WTFvZtIq78I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/APz41-PXgDwN5d1ieF-EWhLhY0TPfiC1ACLcB/s320/6853-635829322125900937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Woody has his eye on my current shed for his hobbies too...at this rate the children will be left to fend for themselves while we retreat to our respective sheds!!<br />
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I've planned the inside too. Lots of storage, and a cutting table, and a wooburner.....<br />
Take a look at my "Studio Envy" board on<a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/jeanettearcher/studio-envy/" target="_blank"> Pinterest </a>.<br />
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Meanwhile, you can see my shed in action in my latest video on You Tube.<br />
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I'm off to dream some more. xJeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-53174294310943503072017-05-03T10:54:00.000+00:002018-01-17T11:10:01.852+00:00#MMMay17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
So here we are again, another May of Me Mades's. Head on over to Zoe's blog to find out more. Honestly this year I've started out without a pledge or plan, just chucking on my me mades as usual, but today I think I have decided on my focus for this #mmmay17<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTnySTPFsk2/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Yes that is a giant pile of clean laundry on my sofa! #mmm17 day 3 and I have been feeling guilty for not giving myself an actual challenge this year. I wear me mades most days, but I have gained a lot of weight recently....gotta love the peri menopause and a knackered thyroid 🙄 Trying hard to focus on body positivity instead of diets which make me sad....anyway this all means that lots of my clothes just don't fit well anymore, so this month I am weeding those out and starting afresh! Today I am wearing a #maudeskirt Which co incidentally I am talking about on my You Tube Channel; this week it is part 2, just search Lazy Seamstress on You Tube to find me 😊</a></div>
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A post shared by Jeanette Archer (@lazyseamstress) on <time datetime="2017-05-03T07:22:31+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 3, 2017 at 12:22am PDT</time></div>
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This post on Instagram pretty much sums it up. I'm going to spend May weeding out the clothes that don't fit or feel comfortable and add clothes that do.<br />
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So.......<br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: bold;">'I,
Jeanette of Lazy Seamstress and @lazyseamstress, sign up as a participant of
Me-Made-May '17. I endeavour to wear at least one me made item each day for the duration of May 2017'</i><br />
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Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-54568382072462994512017-03-30T12:54:00.000+00:002017-03-30T12:54:31.693+00:00Pinafore Obsession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVj_vLDnEjhzNtBDAKIIy7p2xl3KFB5RXYGLc9RoUZay7VT17oqb36tgIphdtY5tIGRGnT0ESp8ZHAWQZPUksmDEQdXcU4QdnHuQg1hdoEqu2iX9nFq3CEldqNCPbvNRZMrxqt/s1600/20170308_183602000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVj_vLDnEjhzNtBDAKIIy7p2xl3KFB5RXYGLc9RoUZay7VT17oqb36tgIphdtY5tIGRGnT0ESp8ZHAWQZPUksmDEQdXcU4QdnHuQg1hdoEqu2iX9nFq3CEldqNCPbvNRZMrxqt/s400/20170308_183602000_iOS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been casually searching since sometime last year for the perfect pair of dungarees and the perfect pinafore. The dungarees are for another day, this week I have been concentrating on Pinafores!<br />
I was planning to draft my own pinafore, something vaguely 70's inspired and fitted at the waist, since that might suit my rather ample curves. Then I spotted the Freya dress pattern that came free with a copy of Simply Sewing, and it seemed to fit the brief well, yay! No need to draft my own pattern!<br />
I firstly made it up in some faux suede. I made the largest size, but sadly was a bit snug, though wearable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BROBtAWD5K9/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Look at that face! That is my " just bloody take the photo" face. Freya dress pattern, was going to draft my own pinafore pattern but this seemed pretty damn perfect. Made with faux suede. Mostly happy with it . When I make another I will widen the bib to cover more side boo instead of gaping, and I will use a smaller seam allowance on the skirt...this is a teeny bit on the tight side...I could eat less.... #sewingblogger #sewingtutor</a></div>
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A post shared by Jeanette Archer (@lazyseamstress) on <time datetime="2017-03-04T14:14:12+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 4, 2017 at 6:14am PST</time></div>
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I made the next version (first photo above.) in a lovely 40's inspired print. This time I altered the bib to fit better over my bust and I skimped on the seam allowances, but I can't get it on! The faux suede has som stretch in it, which is why I can get that on, the floral one though...not a chance!<br />
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I abandoned that pattern, and decided I needed a quick make to cheer me up. I decided to copy a simple little dungaree dress I had bought in Primark last year for the princely sum of £5.<br />
And so, if you have been following me on Instagram ( @lazyseamstress ) you will have seen that so far this week I have made 3 pinafores from my copy of the original denim dress. I also am planning one more........<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WCu6LPJghY" width="560"></iframe><br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-50346213639266519272017-03-12T10:47:00.000+00:002017-03-12T10:48:37.106+00:00Time for an update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPOwtEfjM9Y/WMUkA-LWfKI/AAAAAAAAFOc/5ZEGqTGi_6oVzlItEIf66sUayJitJef0QCLcB/s1600/20170307_124333170_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPOwtEfjM9Y/WMUkA-LWfKI/AAAAAAAAFOc/5ZEGqTGi_6oVzlItEIf66sUayJitJef0QCLcB/s400/20170307_124333170_iOS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been a little bit (unintentionally) quite on here recently. I do hate when blog posts start with an apology, but I'm going to apologise anyway, to myself if no one else!<br />
Life around here has been very busy with work, so I can't complain about that, at least I love my work!<br />
I have still managed to fit in a few sewing projects for myself though, and if you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lazyseamstress/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you will have seen those, already.<br />
There have been a couple of circle skirts :<br />
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A fit and flare dress :<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQx4mF2juEo/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Hmmmm, wasn't really feeling it today, but finished this dress anyway. I want/need a dress for saying goodbye to someone special, I think she might have liked this, she loved colour. 💗</a></div>
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A post shared by Jeanette Archer (@lazyseamstress) on <time datetime="2017-02-21T15:55:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 21, 2017 at 7:55am PST</time></div>
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And a couple of Pinafores:<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BROBtAWD5K9/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Look at that face! That is my " just bloody take the photo" face. Freya dress pattern, was going to draft my own pinafore pattern but this seemed pretty damn perfect. Made with faux suede. Mostly happy with it . When I make another I will widen the bib to cover more side boo instead of gaping, and I will use a smaller seam allowance on the skirt...this is a teeny bit on the tight side...I could eat less.... #sewingblogger #sewingtutor</a></div>
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A post shared by Jeanette Archer (@lazyseamstress) on <time datetime="2017-03-04T14:14:12+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 4, 2017 at 6:14am PST</time></div>
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But! Here comes the big news! I have started a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1z75x2qTInabROcotwBEsg" target="_blank">You Tube Channel !</a> My lovely friend, Mary (regular readers will know her as my "fabric dealer" !), has been encouraging me to branch out on You Tube, so I have...Thank you Mary, love you!<br />
Here is my first video. I hope you like it and are not too put off by my over enthusiastic "Hello".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JFQEd4MnAEE" width="560"></iframe><br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-60309613558265005962017-01-29T18:23:00.001+00:002017-01-29T18:26:58.356+00:00A Good Foundation<div class="embed-code" data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.1.0.3.1.1.1">
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I have a slight obsession with underpinnings! Just take a look at my <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/jeanettearcher/lingerie/" target="_blank">lingerie board on Pinterest! </a></div>
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As a dressmaker, I know only too well that no matter how beautifully I sew a garment, if I wear it over unsupportive, unflattering, poorly fitting underwear it's just not going to show that garment off at it's best.</div>
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Vintage or reproduction vintage garments especially need appropriate underpinnings!</div>
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This is something I never tire of reminding my clients when I am teaching.</div>
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I teach a bodice fitting class at <a href="http://www.ministryofcraft.co.uk/workshops/sewing-dressmaking/pattern-cutting/c170219-pattern-cutting-introduction-to-bodice-fitting" target="_blank">Ministry of Craft</a> and I always stress there, the importance of a well fitting bra, and how certain styles of bra will affect various bodice designs....for example I know that if I fit a bodice over a sports bra, that bodice will certainly not work over a balconette style, on the same woman!</div>
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As a woman of ample boobage since the age of 13, I've certainly made some terrible mistakes over the years; like the time when aged about 14, I was at a friends house on a hot summers day and she suggested we sunbathe in the garden. I hadn't got a bikini so she loaned me one of hers. I put it on and walked through her kitchen to meet her in the garden where her mother caught sight of me and thrust a tea towel at me in a crude attempt to offer me some modesty! I was, until that moment quite blissfully unaware of my curves and the bikini top only just covered my nipples!</div>
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Over the years, since that incident and, I'm sorry to say, several others I have gained a reputation amongst many of my closest friends as someone who knows a thing or two about bra fitting, and have accompanied several friends on bra shopping sprees, where they are usually surprised that their back size is considerably smaller than they thought, and their cup size considerably bigger!</div>
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A good fitting bra is only the beginning; an essential beginning, but certainly for me, I can't sing the praises of shape wear enough! Six babies ( and honestly, too many biscuits!) have not been kind to my mid section! Now, I'm certainly not saying everyone with a bit of wobble in their tum should absolutely wear shape wear, seriously guys, wear what makes you comfortable...I'm all about the feeling good in your own skin, but that for me means shape wear, and I've tried them all, trust me!</div>
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I had a spell a few years ago of wearing steel boned corsets daily, and then I got gall stones, so my corsets got packed away....they still come out occasionally, just no longer daily.</div>
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I have tried latex sports corsets too, and they have their place, so long as you don't mind getting very sweaty!</div>
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My favourite everyday shape wear though is a "wear your own bra" type. These generally come in various strengths of support, and for everyday I have light support. The beauty of these is you can wear your own bra, and anyone who has a cup size over a D will understand this....please lingerie makers make pretty corselettes in bigger cup sizes!!!</div>
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They give a nice smooth line under any garment with a touch of tummy control. I even have a few that smooth out the dreaded back fat!</div>
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And, you can wear them under your most precious corsets to protect from sweat, but still be able to go to the loo, thanks to popper opening!! (Is that TMI?) </div>
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So, always wary of offering advice, I would say to anyone, but especially aspiring dressmakers, get the foundation right,( whatever that means for <b><i>you</i></b>) and your finished garments will be shown off to their very best.</div>
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Of course, there is always making your own.....that though is for another day!</div>
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Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-30920618111752999382017-01-12T11:27:00.001+00:002017-01-12T11:28:25.273+00:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yeah, I know it's already 12th January! My children didn't finish school and college until 23rd December, which means they only went back to school and college on Monday...is it really only four days ago? Why am I so tired?<br />
Poor Eden had to go back to college on her birthday! She was less than impressed to say the least. I now have two adult children, since Eden turned 18 on Monday! It's a strange feeling.<br />
Christmas was quiet (well as quiet as it gets around here!), and I did a lot of cosying up on the sofa, a bit of crocheting, but not a lot of anything else, which felt good. In fact so good I'm finding it rather hard to get back into the normal routine. Grey January skies certainly don't help.<br />
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I've been working on updating my wardrobe with clothes that feel good lately. I designed this dress to wear to our WI Christmas party. The bodice is princess line, and the skirt is full circle with extra panels and box pleats at the hips. The fabric is a waxed cotton. The dress uses a full 6 metres of fabric, most of which is in the skirt! I am also wearing a full petticoat in these photos and a store bought bow belt.<br />
This feels fab on, really swishy and feminine. I love it! Of course as usual I want to tweak certain things.( but that's for another post)<br />
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I used the same pattern to make this dress. This time the bodice is lace underlined with black jersey for the main bodice, sleeves just lace and the skirt is made with some gorgeous vintage pinstripe suiting.<br />
Again worn over a petticoat and with a belt.<br />
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I put in an exposed zip this time to juzz it up a bit. I think this is the least successful of the two dresses, but it will be a good addition to my work wardrobe.<br />
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I'm trying very hard right now to stay body positive while writing this. The reason I need to update my wardrobe is quite simply that nothing much in my existing wardrobe fits me anymore. I could easily (too easily) sit here and write an entire blog post about every flaw I can see when looking at these photos, but I wont.<br />
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Happy New Year lovely readers. Don't forget to follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lazyseamstress/" target="_blank">instagram </a><br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-73452358834038607592016-11-22T13:47:00.000+00:002018-01-17T11:10:24.117+00:00Distinction<br />
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Two
years ago I signed up to do a City and Guilds Level 3 in Fashion at a
local sixth form college. I already had an A level in Needlework and
Dress from my school days, and of course many years experience, but I
had only ever taught myself pattern cutting, (thank you Winifred
Aldrich!) and wanted to expand my knowledge in that area. So, every
Wednesday night for two years I pootled off to college, and I thoroughly
enjoyed it! I loved having that time to do something 'just because'. I
met some fabulous people, not least my lovely tutor Heather Lightfoot.<br />
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The
course included modules on pattern cutting, dressmaking, tailoring and
art work. I loved having a reason to keep sketchbooks again. I have
sporadically kept sketchbooks over the years, but it was wonderful to
have a reason to sit with all my art work out and spend time more
seriously on my 'research'. Something I hadn't done since leaving art
college in 1991!<br />
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My final collection was based on the work of Japanese artist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utamaro" target="_blank">Utamaro</a>,
and included six dresses, Obi belts and an evening coat. I was thrilled
to be marked a 'distinction' for each module and therefore a
distinction overall.<br />
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If
you are reading this and have pondered the idea of going back to
college to learn anything, but especially a dressmaking course or
similar, then I urge you to do so. Sadly so many adult education classes
have been cut from Local Authority budgets, including the very course I
have just completed. Such a shame too, but if you find one, enrol,
you'll love it!<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-13609595817597643652016-10-27T18:01:00.001+00:002016-10-27T18:01:43.876+00:00Cosy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This time of year calls for cosy , and cosy for me is anything that feels like pyjamas, but looks enough like clothes to wear during the day! This dress is soooo comfy, it really feels like a nightdress, can be layered with various jumpers and cardigans, worn over jeans or leggings, or tights.<br />
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I used my Nell pattern again, but probably could've gone down a size, it is a little big.<br />
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Probably not the most flattering dress, but certainly the most cosy, and there are definately days when cosy wins over flattery.<br />
<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-30673715831461038462016-10-18T13:32:00.000+00:002016-10-18T13:32:48.732+00:00Vintage Pin Stripes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day last week I decided I hated most of my clothes. I was sick of trying to fit my ever expanding waistline (sad face) into dresses and skirts that refused to co operate. So over half of my wardrobe went in a charity collection bag...well, more than one actually! I have only kept clothes that I really love, and my new sewing resolution is to sew things I really want to wear, and to satisfy my urge to sew random clothes I will sew with someone in mind and spread the joy.<br />
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With that in mind, I cut out this dress last week, using my Nora, Nell and Nancy designs, this is Nell...although I sometimes forget that and call her Nora! She is made with vintage wool suiting...a lucky charity shop find . Navy blue pin stripe which you can't really see in the photos. The yoke is cut on the bias and the neckline is bound with self cut binding.<br />
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I absolutely love it! Feels great on, isn't too formal, but not too casual either. I really do need to ressurect this pattern and get it published, I know I've been saying that for about 18 months now, but I feel like it just needs a bit more tinkering before it's really ready.<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-8076080460231944152016-10-07T17:29:00.002+00:002016-10-07T17:29:28.997+00:00Catching up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Wow! So it's been a while! Summer was tough, house full of children and all their needs, plus freelance work that needed finishing and you know, life. I still have been sewing for myself, but in a rather haphazard way, with no plan, and well it all has been feeling a bit disjointed. I might be having a mid life style crisis! ( I might also be being overly dramatic!)<br />
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I'm not sure I should really bore you with my ramblings though, so instead I will leave you with some photos of a few of my Summer and Early Autumn makes....<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-25434318426646745932016-08-24T16:46:00.000+00:002016-08-24T16:49:36.960+00:00No Waste!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My friend found this fabulous vintage housecoat a few months ago, and knowing how much I would love it, she sent it to me. Sadly it wouldn't fit over my ample boobage and so hung on a hanger for a while, while I pondered what to do with it. I felt kinda guilty hacking into it, not something I usually worry about, but it was a gift...<br />
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After a few months I summoned up the courage to have a go at making it wearable, so I popped it on my dress form and began the hacking...<br />
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I cut the neckline deeper...<br />
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And the armholes, taking about 3ocms off the length too..<br />
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Slitting the dress up the centre back and using the fabric taken from the length added in a shaped panel.<br />
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The rest of the fabric taken from the length was made into bias binding to finish the neckline and armholes. There was still some scrap which I used to make fabric roses.<br />
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I even made one into a hair slide.<br />
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I didn't waste a single scrap, this was all that was left to throw away.<br />
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And the final tunic? I love it!<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-89394850176953609642016-07-24T09:16:00.002+00:002016-07-24T09:16:38.411+00:00Procrastination or Therapy Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I sew every day, I sew for work, I sew for myself, I sew for college and I sometimes sew for gifts. July is a busy month here, three birthday's, end of school year...this year it's even more hectic with Sid about to leave Primary school, so lots of events and visits and special days and parties and assemblies. Sid has ASD so all of this has to be handled carefully.<br />
Florence's birthday takes a lot out of me emotionally, grief even after 7 years is exhausting, it demands your full attention, and if you don't give it you soon know...<br />
Work is easy, I get my deadlines and my projects and I get on with it happily.<br />
College is finished now, but my coursework needs handing in by the end of August...guess who is very behind with the course work? So, a normal person might spend their time catching up with that rather than starting three million other projects right? Seems I am not a normal person...this past week instead of course work, I have sewn a pair of dungarees, two teacher gifts, pyjama bottoms, a summer kimono robe, and this dress!<br />
I can't actually decide if it is procrastination or therapy sewing, maybe both?<br />
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This dress is a very simple skater style. I used my princess seamed bodice block and a circle skirt. the fabric was found by my fab friend and fabric dealer Mary, it's a stretch, so no need for fastenings on this dress.<br />
I used the princess seamed block because I hate the way a t shirt style bodice in a patterned knit fabric distorts over my bust. The princess seams are flattering, fitting nicely over a large bust and into the waist. I am plus sized, but my waist is 10" smaller than my bust, so this style of dress can usually either be too clingy over the bust or too loose on the waist. I think the princess seams work well as an alternative.<br />
In fact this dress felt so nice to wear I'm going to raid my knit fabric stash later to play with the pattern a little more....but of course not until I've done some college work.....<br />
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Want to make a simple kimono like the ones above? click <a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/2013/08/boho-kimono.html" target="_blank">here. </a>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-16586042674208251622016-07-18T15:55:00.000+00:002016-07-18T15:58:43.964+00:0040's Style Dungarees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a hankering for dungarees, much to the amusement of a couple of my friends! I'm 47, I'm curvy (overweight) and I'm short, with short legs! Undeterred by these facts I went ahead and made myself a pair anyway, albeit rather half heartedly. I was convinced I would make them up, hate them and then having satisfied my desire for something I would hate that would be that!<br />
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Living up to my name "Lazy Seamstress", I threw these together without even looking at the instructions. (The pattern is <a href="http://wearinghistory.clothing/wwii-homefront-1940s-overalls-playsuit-trousers-pattern/" target="_blank">WW11 Homefront 1940's Overalls by Wearing History,</a> kindly loaned to me by my lovely friend Nim.)<br />
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I popped a zip in the side instead of button fastenings, and I added the pockets last as an afterthought...not terribly neatly!<br />
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I love them!! I really do, I might not be slim or young or tall, but these dungarees make me very happy...or they will when I have unpicked the pockets and put them on more neatly (and in the right position!). I'm also going to remove the bias binding used to face the bib edge with a denim facing instead, and taken in the back darts a little....<br />
... will I learn my lesson? Probably not!!!<br />
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Photos taken at <a href="http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/4693/lady-mabels-wood/" target="_blank">Lady Mabel's Wood in Wigan </a>where our youngest daughter has an acre of woodland dedicated to her.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/p/florence-violet-our-story.html" target="_blank"> Florence Violet Wood 22nd July 2009, Too briefly in our arms....</a>Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-50805521636241547032016-06-26T14:25:00.001+00:002016-07-09T08:47:39.782+00:00Finally Nora is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gosh I've been slow with this one! The Nora dress and her sisters Nell and Nancy made their debut on my blog<a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/2015/09/nora-nell-and-nancy.html" target="_blank"> last summer</a>, and I kept meaning to release them as a pattern, but then kept putting it off, with one excuse after another, then Sam Sterken the editor of Sewing Made Simple magazine expressed an interest in Nora and asked me to let the magazine release her, which gave me the boot up the bum I needed to get things going again with this design.<br />
I'm really pleased how the chambray version turned out, it looks great on the model. Nora is such an easy dress to wear. I have several of the first drafts that I wear in rotation over leggings or jeans at least once a week.<br />
The pattern can be downloaded from the Love Sewing website <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/downloads/item/529-sewing-made-simple-6" target="_blank">here</a> the instructions are in the magazine, which also comes with two free paper patterns.<br />
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<img alt="Sewing Made Simple 6 - Downloads" src="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/media/k2/items/cache/27dd7cddd3c2da4d8b388b00e3c63c22_L.jpg" height="200" style="height: auto; width: 625px;" width="148" /><br />
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And for those of you wondering about Nora's sisters Nell and Nancy, they are not forgotten, I promise I will release those one way or another this summer!<br />
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Maybe Nora isn't your cup of tea, then check out Love Sewing Magazine on 14th July when my Maude Skirt will be featured as a free download.<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-70037676567000367962016-05-30T16:44:00.000+00:002016-10-27T18:02:29.796+00:00Three Dresses.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I rarely buy sewing patterns these days, unless they are vintage finds. I prefer to draft my own designs. Last week though I aquired two new sewing patterns for me! I was smitten by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/294425959/paper-bennett-dress-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">Marilla Walker's Bennett Dress </a>as soon as I saw it, and knowing Marilla's style, plus the need to stitch up something lovely in a hurry I thought I'd give it a go. I wasn't dissapointed, in fact I was really pleased with the result, and wore the resulting dress twice in one week!<br />
I used a lightweight poly cotton blend I'd bought in <a href="http://abakhan./">Abakhan.</a><br />
As always Marilla's pattern and instructions were faultless. I chose the printed pattern this time, and I love the cute hand printed envelope it came in . Trust me, packaging is hard to figure out when you are a small independant designer with an equally if not smaller budget for such things, and I'm quite envious that I didn't think of doing something as cute with my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FlossiesGarden?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">paper patterns!</a> (Which are still on pause...best not talk about that right now! )<br />
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The second pattern I bought was the <a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/1080/" target="_blank">Dottie Angel Frock by Simplicity</a>. I've always admired <a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dottie Angel's blog</a> and her granny chic style, but honestly until I saw the pattern in my local Hobbycraft while buying other supplies, I hadn't had a burning desire to order it online and make it. You could say it was an impulse buy.<br />
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A photo posted by Jeanette Archer (@lazyseamstress) on <time datetime="2016-05-27T11:08:09+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 27, 2016 at 4:08am PDT</time></div>
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I ran one up quickly to see what I would think. I used a vintage sheet and random bits of bias hanging around in my shed. Once finished, I was pretty pleased with the dress, on the hanger at least...but oh dear, trying it on was a whole other matter! The tucks and ties were in the wrong place for my bust, and I just hated it on me. I'm still a bit sick about it really, it's super cute, just not on me, so I'm sending it to someone else who it will no doubt look so much better on...and hoping she doesn't look too closely at my hasty stitching!<br />
Not to be defeated however, I set to making myself another. This time I used some left over lightweight cotton blend left over from a project I'd completed a few weeks ago for <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/learn-to-sew/sewing-news/item/388-sewing-made-simple" target="_blank">Sewing Made Simple magazine.</a><br />
I intended to put the tucks and ties in at the end once I could work out where I wanted them to be, but while trying it on to determine that, I decided actually I liked it without.<br />
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So, there you are, three dresses in a week, when really I should have been working on my final collection for college....oops!Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-63030508290591034162016-05-03T13:56:00.001+00:002016-05-03T13:56:56.684+00:00Denim Maude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I made myself a Maude Skirt. I do love this pattern so much; I can squeeze it out of a metre of fabric usually, it stitches together super quick, even with the pockets, and it's a flattering easy style.<br />
I had made one up recently for a future issue of Love Sewing Magazine (you'll have to wait to see photos of that one.), and I was reminded how much I love making up this skirt, and also how I have wanted to make a denim one ever since the very talented <a href="https://www.instagram.com/runmumrun/" target="_blank">Jayne</a> had made a denim one when the pattern was still being tested.<br />
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Instead of having the usual side concealed zip, I opted for a centre back exposed metal zip, which I am really pleased with. And yes, lots of top stitching in contrast thread....always makes me nervous, but I'm actually pretty pleased with how it turned out, a bit wobbly in places, but nothing is ever perfect eh?<br />
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I can really see this skirt being a real wardrobe staple.<br />
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Want to try the Maude pattern for yourself ? Then head over to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/flossiesgarden" target="_blank">Etsy store</a> where you can buy the instantly downloadable PDF pattern for only £5, or wait until it is featured in <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Love Sewing Magazine </a>and get it for free! ( Maude is only available in my Etsy store for a limited time, once it is published in Love Sewing it will be taken off sale for 3 months. )Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-46513339723507668342016-04-24T17:46:00.001+00:002016-06-26T14:32:50.458+00:00My feet ache!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been working at <a href="http://www.ministryofcraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ministry of Craft </a>today. I love my job teaching classes, even if I do go home with aching feet like I have today.<br />
Ministry of Craft operates mainly out of the basement at <a href="http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fred Aldous</a>, right in the heart of Manchester's lively Northern Quarter, offering classes in almost every craft you can imagine; embroidery, knitting, screen printing, paper cutting......it's a very long list!<br />
I teach most of the advanced beginner classes, focusing mainly on pattern cutting and fitting. Today was an Introduction to Bodice Fitting. A class I always enjoy, it's intense and the students always work so hard...there is a lot to fit in to five hours, but we always manage.<br />
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I know if I wasn't already teaching at Ministry, then I'd definately want to be taking a class there! I might get to sit down more if I took a class, but I really don't mind the aching feet, I know how lucky I am to be teaching a subject I love to people eager to learn and in great surroundings!Plus of course aching feet equals a shopping opportunity for comfy but cute shoes!<br />
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<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-26211999930891844682016-04-19T12:25:00.001+00:002016-06-26T14:34:09.037+00:00Ponderings and a new frock.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_555312356">So, I had a birthday, I'm now the grand old age of 47, and feel every second of it recently! Angus often jokes with me that I have outlived my biological usefulness now that I am no longer having babies or feeding them, lately I have felt, all too keenly the truth in that joke!</span><br />
<span id="goog_555312356"><a href="http://www.ohsoindiacharlotte.co.uk/2016/04/welcome-to-your-20s.html" target="_blank">India turned 20 on Saturday</a>, and spent her first birthday away from home. I can't quite believe I am the mother of a 20 year old! She has grown into a lovely young woman, but she will always be my first baby. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_555312356">Raising babies for the past 20 years has been the most amazing and wonderful time, even the sad bits, even the <a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/p/florence-violet-our-story.html" target="_blank">heartwrenchingly sad bits,</a> and now as my family grows I'm spreading my wings a little and taking on more freelance work. I regularly contribute to <a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/learn-to-sew/sewing-news/item/388-sewing-made-simple" target="_blank">Sewing Made Simple magazine </a></span><span id="goog_555312356">and have had some of my work published in<a href="http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Love Sewing magazine. </a></span><br />
<span id="goog_555312356">I teach most weekends at <a href="http://www.ministryofcraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ministry of Craft </a></span><span id="goog_555312356">and I'm putting together my final collection for my Level 3 City and Guilds in Fashion. Life is busy!</span><br />
<span id="goog_555312356">I've so much to be grateful for, and so yeah, I'm 47,my thyroid doesn't work properly, and my bones creak. I have wrinkles and am beyond my "biological usefulness", but the sun is shining, and I am grateful. x</span><br />
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Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-85214882053478006982016-03-04T18:28:00.001+00:002016-06-26T14:33:53.028+00:00Bodice Fitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm still working on perfecting the fit of my new bodice block. I've been working on this dress on and off for a few weeks now, finally finishing it last week only to put it on and realise despite all my tinkering it still doesn't quite fit right!<br />
I re drafted the front into a princess seam, which I think works well on a larger bust, but kept the back bodice darted, which hasn't worked well at all!<br />
My upper back is rounded and wider than might be expected, while my rib cage is actually very narrow, so fitting my back is often more of a challenge than fitting my bust....the problem with learning about fit is the more you know, the more you find there is to learn....actually that's how it is with sewing anyway, and why I love it so much!<br />
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You can see here how I tried to fix my gaping shoulders with small darts that were intended to fit over my rounded upper back, and they do (my dress form doesn't have the same shape there. ), but there is too much looseness around my back rib cage, while the darts fit nicely into my waist.<br />
I was going to abandon this dress, chuck it in a charity bag, especially with spring on it's way. The dress is a medium weight wool blend and fully lined! Today though it snowed, and so I might have a chance to wear it soon, if I fix it. I intend, as a quick fix to take in a seam from the tip of the waist dart to the tip of the shoulder dart, trim away the excess fabric, resulting in a faux princess seam.....it might work! I hope it does!<br />
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I will keep you posted! Oh and I did press it, this fabric is stubborn, and holds too many creases!Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-57336185649043428132016-02-16T09:44:00.000+00:002016-02-16T09:44:28.605+00:00Dress Form<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had my dress form for several years now, she was rather broken, picked up from Freecycle. Back then I taped her back together and replaced her stand with that of an old standard lamp, also picked up on Freecycle. My <a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/2008/06/new-me.html" target="_blank">first attempt </a>at making her my size was moderately successful, but after a while I pulled her back to her naked self, covered her with a tube of cream ribbing and just used her as a stand.<br />
Like so many of us, I've seen various ways to DIY dress forms, on Pinterest and other blogs. I had been planning to make a calico toile and stuffing her, but yesterday after being up half the night thinking up various designs I'd like to try draping, I thought I'd give the Duck Tape version a try!<br />
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Woody taped me up over an old T shirt, which you will have seen if you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBzwyjvOdH2/?taken-by=lazyseamstress" target="_blank">Instagram </a>.<br />
He then cut me out, and I draped the resulting body over my dress form. She looked rather saggy and sad at this point, and despite our best efforts, Woody had managed to squish my boobs smaller than they are.<br />
I taped her back up along the cut, and then stuffed her with poly toy stuffing. Added a bra to give her more definition up top, carefully measuring along the way to make sure I wasn't over or understuffing.<br />
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Once I was as satisfied as I could be that she was a reasonable representation of me, I covered her in a tube of cream ribbing and added her tapes.<br />
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Weirdly she has an almost Edwardian silhouette, which I guess so must I! Now to get on with some draping!<br />
Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-59657271278026553552016-02-03T15:54:00.000+00:002016-04-19T12:25:44.861+00:00Cats in Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day last week while feeling rather sorry for myself I nipped in to the local furnishing fabric shop. They have a room full of remnants that I like to browse just in case they have anything interesting.<br />
Before I even made it to the remnants however, I noticed the shop was now stocking some rather lovely printed canvas fabrics, including this Paris scene with little black cats. I couldn't resist and buying just 3 metres cheered me up no end.<br />
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The pre wash faded the colours quite a bit more than I expected, but it's still a cute fabric, and I kind of like the faded denim style of the blues and greens. Perfect fabric for another try with my new bodice block. And after a little play with the waist darts I'm much happier than I was in my last post. (Don't worry, that dress has not been thrown out, I'm working on it!)<br />
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I'm reluctant to make myself clothes at the moment. I've gained a lot of weight recently, and have finally after several years of various symptoms been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Some of my joint pain has already begun to subside after starting drug treatment, and I'm hopeful that once my ideal dose of thyroxine has been worked out, I will start feeling healthy again, and maybe, fingers crossed find it easier to lose weight.<br />
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What do you think of my whimsical necklace that I bought in Shoreditch a few weeks ago? I love it with this dress, looks like she is going for a walk through some Parisien streets. Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-83373169880238160192016-01-31T12:34:00.000+00:002016-04-19T12:26:01.937+00:00Dressmaking I haven't blogged.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ImbG05COkQ/Vq37KzMQkYI/AAAAAAAAE6g/Gb5Z3wf41cA/s1600/doris%2Bsweater%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ImbG05COkQ/Vq37KzMQkYI/AAAAAAAAE6g/Gb5Z3wf41cA/s640/doris%2Bsweater%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't always blog everything I make, but I do usually share most things on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lazyseamstress/" target="_blank">Instagram </a><br />
With February almost here...how did that happen? I thought I'd just do a quick and dirty blog post of my January makes, the good, the bad and the downright disastrous!<br />
Firstly the Doris Sweater above. I love this version so much. The fabric is a super soft loosley woven wool blend, and it is so cosy. I feel the cold even in this mild winter we are having, so any excuse to cosy up is most welcome.<br />
It's been a bit of a Doris'y month actually because I also ran up this quick Doris Dress from some vintage fabric I found in a charity shop while visiting my Mum who lives in Somerset.<br />
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And this Doris Dress sample for <a href="http://www.ministryofcraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ministry of Craft.</a><br />
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I also ran myself up a lovely wool blend A line skirt. Fully lined in some pretty ditsy print cotton.<br />
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And finally this disastrous dress.<br />
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I have rather sadly gained too much weight for my bodice block, and have had to re work it, this is the first dress I have attempted with my new bodice block, and it just doesn't work. My own fault really, I was in a hurry and didn't toile the dress, and now I have something that needs completely reworking or chucking in the charity bag...I haven't yet decided which it will be......<br />
<br />Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-12830159521058177242016-01-25T13:13:00.001+00:002016-06-26T14:34:48.443+00:00Little Luxuries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love modern technology, browsing other blogs, joining in sewing forums, watching videos on line, but nothing quite beats curling up on the sofa with a cuppa and a magazine.<br />
I'm really thrilled to now this month have my work in two great sewing magazines!<br />
Firstly Love Sewing Magazine has a free supplement this month called Learn To Love Sewing, especially designed for beginners. There are fab tutorials in there, many by my fellow tutors at <a href="http://www.ministryofcraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ministry of Craft,</a> and including my lovely Flossie's Pinafore. I'm so happy with the photos and design of the pages, the pinafore looks lovely.<br />
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Another great magazine is Sewing Made Simple, Guess who made the pink blouse on the cover?<br />
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And inside are two tutorials by me;<br />
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I have thoroughly enjoyed working on all of these projects...and a few others yet to be released, plus hopefully more in the future.<br />
And this might explain my lack of posts lately here on the blog, I've some catching up to do. Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12019935.post-46748932224216027742016-01-04T17:41:00.001+00:002016-02-03T16:02:08.669+00:00First make of the year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3fReaqHxZ4/VoqrLAabu6I/AAAAAAAAE40/XOhudtiGX6E/s1600/cowl%2Bdoris%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3fReaqHxZ4/VoqrLAabu6I/AAAAAAAAE40/XOhudtiGX6E/s640/cowl%2Bdoris%2B6.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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The children all went back to school and college today, India is still home from University, but she was out today and I made the very most of the peace, and most importantly lack of demands to be fed, (children do need feeding so often! ) and spent a very happy morning in my shed running up this Weekend Doris Dress with a twist...or two!<br />
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It is a basic <a href="http://www.flossiesgarden.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Weekend Doris</a>, made with a retro style wool blend. (I sized up to accomodate the woven fabric.) I added in seam pockets*, a wider neck band to form a 60's style "cowl" neck, and hem band. The dress and sleeves are lined.<br />
I'm really quite pleased with it, the lining has made it a substantial winter dress, so I'm ready for the coldest most miserable winter months of January and February, even if it is so mild at the moment that the daffodils are popping up at the park!<br />
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A close up of the fabric, and the little inseam label at the hem. I'm always so ridiculously pleased with myself when I remember to add these little touches!<br />
And below, the lining:<br />
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You can see it is caught in place at the neck, cuffs and hem.<br />
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I must apologise for the not very focused photos, a combination of dark dreary days and having to use the self timer I'm afraid.<br />
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* Don't forget my <a href="http://www.lazyseamstress.net/2013/11/design-your-own-wrap-skirt-part-three.html" target="_blank">inseam pocket tutorial</a> if you want to add in seam pockets to a Doris dress, or any other skirt or dress. Jeanettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423818333034603238noreply@blogger.com2