SHOP UNDER CONSTRUCTION

With working a lot of hours in the past two weeks I have been sewing in small snippets of time, when ever I can. But my mind stays up late, way after I have gone to bed, thinking of all of the things I want to be doing. Most of these thoughts of late have got to do with adding a shop to my blog.

I have been sewing up a few test patterns I have made, and will show you soon. But for now I will leave you with images of Justin in the men's sarouels mucking around on the diggers in front of our house.

Justin is wearing a small men's, with extra drop, sarouels by Iliska Dreams Sleepware.

If any of you out there have kids and a tape measure, I would love for you to measure your children for me. I am trying to see if the so call standard sizing apply to our children of today.

Measurements needed

Height

Waist

Hip to floor (leg length)

Shoulder to wrist (arm length)

Neck to waist

Shoulder to shoulder

Plus age of child.

Thanks heaps for all who help out :)

LABEL OR NO LABEL?

Now, I am actually taking orders for my sewing Justin thinks I need to get a label. Normally I do the dodgy ribbon option to mark the back and don't even care how slap haz I sew it on, but I feel this is not acceptable for customers.

Yes, I know I need a new unpicker.

But I am torn. Jarvis, and I, both hate labels and I will unpick any from our garments. The other option is an 'outside' label. But this too has it's faults as I normally do not wear any branded clothing, so why would I brand my own?

I looked at Etsy, but how do I find a label that is soft and non-scratchey? What should I do? What have you found other sewers with a handmade sewing business do?

 

ILISKA DREAMS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Flanel is flying. I finally have got myself to a place where I am confident enough to start accepting orders for my sewing. The last couple 'nap times' have seen me in my element at the machine.

It may only be a small amount to many, but those six orders this week-end have made my heart swell with happiness. The next step? My dream would be to get enough stock to open a small online shop. However, for now sewing custom orders is making me feel so grateful and so happy.

 

SEWING GOALS FOR 2014

I have opted to list my sewing goals on here to try to keep myself accountable. This list is simple.

* Sew one item a week post it online

* Practice one new sewing skill per month

* Sew one item per month for someone other (more on this later)

*Sew items from my vintage pattern collection (what is the point in having them if I do not use them?)

I have kept the list as simple as possible, as some weeks finding time for myself does not happen, and this includes sewing. Last week was one of those weeks, with extra hours at work and a long list of injuries- chest, toe, burnt arm, twisted ankle, I had very little time at the machine.

Though, I did get to complete a skirt for Jarvis's bed. This was to hide the trundle/spare bed underneath. Justin's pick of fabric was orange with white stars on a black base. Which as you can see coordinates perfectly with the rest of his room.

Jarvis has a beautiful handcrafted patchwork quilt (in black and white), once he stops co-sleeping and transfers into his room, the quilt will go on this bed. 

Note to self: At least attempt to tidy ruffle before taking a photo

I also got another pair of boxer shorts completed for Jarvis. So that ticks off list item one for this week :)

EGGS FOR CHRISTMAS AND WAYS ON HOW TO DRAFT A PATTERN

No I did not give them eggs for Christmas. I gave them matching boxers shorts. Tamika and Guy got matching robots. Guy is the robot fan, so poor Bubby got robots as well. Justin and Jarvis got vintage cars and caravans, which was Jarvis's choice of fabric.

Love Tamika's face in this image, she is like "what the? Mum gave me an egg carton?"

I have done a lot of sewing for Jarvis, but it was the first time I have done any for men. I drafted a boxer short pattern off one I already had, and adjusted Justin's to a 30 inch waist and Guy's to a 32 inch waist. Justin's fit perfectly. I could of added a touch of length to Guy's pair. Something to keep in mind when going up a size.

Drafting patterns can be relatively simple. Some different ways to draft a pattern are as follows:

1: The "cut and spread" option is one method for pattern grading. Begin by tracing your original pattern. I trace my pattern on to white paper (I have a large roll of this).

2: You can also cover the original pattern with transparent paper and trace that way.

3: Fusible interfacing will also do, but it is my least favourite way of drafting a pattern.

4: If you have an uncut pattern to grade, you can use dressmaker's carbon and a tracing wheel to transfer the pattern to paper.

Note: Be sure to transfer all markings, darts and grain lines. Labelling your pattern pieces as you go will help you keep things straight.

All of these methods are suitable when drafting straight from a pattern, if alterations are needed you will need further steps.

 Does Guy's face mean he wants the cars and not the robots?

 

FROM FABRIC STASH TO WARDROBE... AND COUCH

I opted to ignore the garden this week and pay attention to my sewing machine. I emptied the entire contents of my fabric stash on the floor, and had been working through what is a keepable piece, and what needs to go. I got half way through the clean out and stopped to make some cushion covers.

The front is from a vintage piece of fabric, and the back is a fat quarter. I used three vintage buttons and some home-made loops to finish it off. If I had more inserts lying around I would have made more.

Then I started on with this piece of fabric. I have had it for several winters and I have never been sure what to do with it. So this morning it has started to become a skirt. Since I love the way the Target Logo Skirt sits, so I thought I would emulate this.

With my normal no pattern style of sewing I simply cut the fabric into three equal pieces and a section left over for the waist band.

I attached the three pieces together, using French seams. With no brown zipper on hand I used a hot pink one. But I think I can get away with this because of the pink love hearts.

A waist band, then hem it, and it is done. Because someone has been insisting on napping on me every day, I am not getting as much sewing done as I like, but this skirt should be ready for viewing soon. Any ideas on what I should call it?

I also have a gorgeous piece of caramel cord that is only 60 cm long, but think it should be just enough to make a pair of sarouels for Jarvis. Now if only I could sew when he naps in my arms….