Liesl and Co Classic Shirt

Finally I have made this shirt, twice. Liesl & Co Classic Shirt.

I loved the scale of it, even the number of pattern pieces seemed to take forever to cut out. It is a long time since I have made a tailored shirt and I enjoyed it.

Fabric: 

1 Grey striped linen from the Nippon Sewing District in Tokyo which was a dream to sew. And 2 was a piece brought at a Retro store in Gisborne, It has good drape and possibly is a viscose, in a coral pink colour (which is not in my usualy colour palette).

Size: I made a 12, and added length to the body and sleeves. The result is a more volumous shirt than I was thinking. 

If there is one thing that would improve my results it would be more attention to sizing. As I sew more, I do now look at the finished garment measurements and consider the ease. But the next step would be to baste together the key pieces for an early assessment. I confess I cannot ever imagine making a toile!

These sleeves are too long. I think I would make the cuff width narrower next time as well.

I liked batch sewing. I tried a couple of different collar construction methods although I did not document them and would not be sure which worked better for me, or the fabric so I must make better notes next time.

I am putting a size 10 version of this on my 2023 plans, might even already have some fabric here I could use!

Trigg Shorts

In this my 3rd year of more sewing, I ventured into making shorts for my 20 something son. He is a tall unit and I figured I would give Mum-made-shorts, made to hopefully fit, a try. The sewing would be straight forward, but how would they be received? Well it turned out.

I chose the Trigg shorts pattern, by Perth based Elbe Textiles. Elastic waisted shorts, so I imagine there are loads of pattern options, but there were good reviews, and I liked Lauren's story.

#1 pair was in a grey stretch demin, which felt a little bit heavy as I sewed them. In consultation there was some contrast top stitching.

I did get feedback that the fabric softened up in wear and washing. And a request for deeper pockets please for the phone.

 #2 and #3 are now completed ready for Christmas. This time the fabric feels slightly lightweight but I hope these will work for summer. I have made deeper front pockets, but as I write this it suddenly occurs to me perhaps the request was for deeper back pockets? I guess that I can redo those if needed. Pictured here, still waiting for the cord.

More Elastic Waisted Pants - Sidewinders

 An impromtu week at home with Covid gave me a chance to sew. After nailing a couple of pair of shorts for my son, I sewed up another pair of Sewing Revival Sidewinder pants.

These were in fabric possibly from my local emporium, not sure. A black/grey cotton pinstripe it has a slightly snuggly wrong side which has a bit or warmth. Unforunately altough I have made these pants before, with some fitting modifications, I had not recorded these well on my pattern so cut to the orignal. The result is the pants sit lower than I like. (I have adjusted the pattern now and made careful notes!)

I love the concept of the sidewinding seam on these pants but this fabric does not really highlight this. I like the flat front finish, and the fit is comfortable without being too baggy in the rear. The construction of the band is great and I was pleased with the finish. I added some elasrtic to the back half of the cuff, a detail copied from a friend's RTW pants.

I have previously made this pattern 3 times, altough only one of those pairs is still in my wardrobe - down to poor fabric choice for the other two.

My relationship with elastic waisted pants is a mixed one. I like the finsh and look of fitted trousers, but given I have a pair of clasic pants hanging half finished in my sewing room, I think I am drawn to the elastic waists as these are more fit-friendly. My me-made collection includes Sidewinders and Pallisade pants. My blue sidewinders are the most well worn. The Pallisades I have worn a little less. I prefer the cleaner line of the pockets on the sidewinder to the 'hippy' Pallisade pockets.

Next on the list is a pair of Sew House Seven Free Range Slacks, I will be interested to try this design.

TNT Lodo - Reflections during Me-Made-May

I am not sure I understood about Me-Made-May in 2021, but this year was time to dip my toe in! Taking photos, even a few, proved a bit of an ask. But the reflections on what I was wearing was a lot of fun.

Ticked off my goal to participate easy enough, but my 'uh huh' moment was realising I acutally wear more me-made than RTW night wear! 

I completed my 4th Lodo nightie, and with that I really have a TNT pattern too - another milestone worth noting.

So, or should I say sew, one garment at a time I am progressing towards a me-made wardrobe which this time last year seemed like a pipe dream.

Thanks in large part to Zoe Edwards @sozoblog for creating a wonderful 'event'.