NEW BLOG! Out with the old, In with the new

The time has come to make some changes. Seeing as I’m no longer doing business under the “Spot of Colour” name, and that I’ve become a bit fed up with using Blogger, I’ve decided to relocate my blog to http://madebyrach.wordpress.com/. I’m already much more impressed with the aesthetics of it, and I’m going to make a big effort to not leave huge gaps between posts as I have been doing lately.

So if you’ve been following me, then please keep following me over at the new place!

Polka Dot Skirt Goodness

My blog has been a little sad and lonely for a little while, but I have good reason. After quite a while, I now have an ongoing, full-time job. The obvious plus is that I now have extra money - which means I can actually afford to do a few more of my sewing projects that I've been wanting to do, the downside is that I don't have anywhere near as much time to sew anymore. I will keep going though, and will continue to share whatever projects I manage to complete, so please keep checking back.

Onto more exciting things - my wonderful new skirt that I made!

I stumbled across some polka dot material in my local Spotlight store a few months ago and I knew I just had to have it (for anyone that has been observing my fashion style lately, you'll know that I'm becoming a sucker for anything with polka dots!). So while I was in Spotlight, I decided I would look for a pattern to suit what I envisioned for the polka dots in my head. As luck would have it, I came across something perfect (how often does that happen??) and, even luckier, it was on special. Brilliant!

I used Butterick's B5613 Misses Skirt and Sash Pattern, using the version C skirt, but adding pockets (from version A) and also added lining. I'm usually an Australian size 12 and my measurements fitted within the size 18 of the pattern; I hesitated with this at first but went ahead with the size 18, half expecting to have to alter it. It fit perfectly! As in, I don't think I own a store bought skirt that fits me as well as this one, and it is really very flattering.

I very much recommend this pattern, though don't be too fooled by the "fast and easy" description on the pattern front. Though I had no problems with it, you will need to be able to sew pleats, a zipper, and some handsewing, so I wouldn't recommend this for a beginner unless you'll be receiving some guidance from someone more experienced.

Denim Skirt Craziness

In a recent post, I mentioned that I had made a couple of denim skirts at the end of last year. I finally got around to getting some photos of them last night, so now it's time to share!

I actually planned to make two denim skirts from the start, just one a bit "fancier" than the other. I drafted my own pattern from an existing denim skirt that I own - I've actually used this skirt as a pattern previously for a couple of other skirts, so this time I made up some proper pattern pieces so that it makes it a lot easier in the future.

This skirt is just a simple A-line skirt, with a zipper fastening at the back, but I love it and can wear it with so much. The only problem that I discovered afterwards is that it's really bad for static - it clings and bunches something shocking if I'm wearing tights or leggings underneath - so I really should have lined it.

I was inspired by Feelin Crafty's Backgammon Skirt Tutorial to make this. The tutorial was for a child's skirt, so I just used my existing skirt pattern and used her pattern pieces for the triangles. I learnt a huge lesson with this one: it's very important to cut out your pieces accurately! I cut out most of these triangle pieces while watching a movie, and I must have been distracted because when I sewed them all together, it looked shocking. I had to unpick it all and trim the triangle pieces down to the exact right shape, and then started over again. It was worth it, but boy was I glad to be finished this one.

I did learn from my previous skirt though, and lined the border with anti-static lining - success! No bunching or clinginess from this skirt, so I think this will be my winter denim skirt that I wear with thick tights/leggings and boots. And in Melbourne, that usually becomes my staple outfit for at least 6 months of the year.

Madeleine Bag

I'm really excited to share this project with you!

I made this bag for my Mum's birthday and I actually really enjoyed making it, and it turned out perfectly. I used Imagine Gnat's Madeleine Bag Tutorial, which included not only free printable pattern pieces, but really easy to follow instructions. I'd never inserted a magnetic closure, or a zipper pocket, but I breezed through both stages with her amazing mini tutorials.

I used Joel Dewberry's Aviary Fabric in the purple and green. Imagine Gnat actually uses Aviary fabric in her tutorial as well, and I loved it so much that I thought I would go with something similar. I'm so glad I did.

Mum loved it, which made it all worthwhile!

I already have some fabric ordered to make myself one (yes, I loved making it that much!) so keep a lookout for a Madeleine Bag 2.0.

Fun Auntie Stuff!

I love being an Auntie. I have 5 nephews, and 4 nieces who I just adore.

One of my brothers lives overseas with his wife and two children, and recently my Sister in Law took a trip out to Australia with the kids. I discovered that they were in need of some new clothes so I eagerly raided my fabric stash and whipped up some clothes for them!

These pajama shorts are for my gorgeous nephew. I was lucky enough to have just enough of this Robot fabric in my stash. I made these using this Pajama Pants Tutorial and a pair of another one of my nephew's old pajama pants as a template.

This is just a simple jersey knit skirt with a stretchy waistband, and a cord tie on the inside to make it a bit more adjustable.

This is my favourite! I had *just* enough denim fabric leftover from my denim skirts that I'd made (yet to be blogged about - sorry) to make this skirt. It has an adjustable waist, and the flower applique I bought from my local Spotlight store and was a simple iron on motif.

So it just goes to show how much can be made with just those fabric remnants you've been hanging onto, doesn't it.

Child's Paint Smock

A good friend of mine asked me if I could make her little son a paint smock for when he started school this year. She wanted it to be something fun that he would recognise and love, and also it needed to have his name clearly labelled where the teachers could easily see it.

I set about finding a free pattern for an ideal paint smock, and found this Kid's Art Smock Pattern from Don't Look Now!'s Blog. It not only has a free pattern, but a step-by-step tutorial that is very easy to follow.

The fabric that I used was Robert Kaufman's Robot Factory - this was the one that Master T picked from some of my favourites, and I'm glad he did as I just love it!

And lastly, my husband (Graphic Designer/Signwriter) came up with the idea of printing the name onto iron-on vinyl. I don't think his teacher will have any trouble seeing that!

Upcycled Dress

I've had a tunic dress/top for a few years that was always a favourite of mine to wear with jeans. Lately though it hasn't been fitting well, but I didn't want to part with it so kept it aside until I figured out what to do with it.

I decided to cut the top part - from just below the bust - and to use a black tee to make it into a knee length dress. Here it is (sorry, I didn't take a before photo of the top in it's original form):

And with a cardi:

I also lined the skirt part as it was see through, and it actually makes it sit even better with the extra weight. It's so comfortable, and I'm happy with how it worked out. I had been a bit concerned that it wouldn't have much shape to it, but I think it looks fine. I love the fact that I can just switch the belt and accessories to give it a completely different look too.

Success!

Burp Cloths

Some friends of ours had a baby boy the other week and I really wanted to make something for them. I have already planned on making some baby items to sell in the New Year, including these gorgeous burp cloths, so I thought this would be an ideal excuse to test them out.

The backing material is chenille, and is oh so soft. The co-ordinating fabric is cotton, and I also want to play around with some cute flannel material with the next batch that I make.

I've got to say, they look even cuter than what I even thought they would. I can't wait to make some more next year to add to my Etsy shop.

What do you think?

DIY Sewing Folder

It was my Sister's birthday last week, and I was trying to think of something to get her as a gift. She's recently joined our sewing class and has been making some lovely things, and seems to be really enjoying it.

I'd been mentioning different tutorial projects online here and there, but realised that it might be handy to have a whole heap of sewing tutorials in one easy place to give her ideas of future projects, and to see just how easy some projects really are!

So - with immense help of my Pinterest page - I prepared a quite large document (from memory, I think it was about 250 pages!!) containing all of my favourite sewing tutorials that I thought would be useful. I set up a folder with various sections, including some blank sections for her to fill up later, and also a couple of expandable plastic sleeves to store paper patterns, and also picture inspiration from magazines etc for ideas of future projects (something I started doing a little while back, and it's been quite useful). I realised that it wouldn't be practical to print off all of the tutorials to store in the folder, so I selected one from each category to print, and saved the whole document to a CD that could be stored in the front of the folder.

Here it is:

I also bought a voucher from Fabric.com to go towards fabric for her next project, and my lovely husband made up a very realistic gift card for me, as I just received the voucher in email form.

She seemed to really like it, and I'm sure she'll have fun skimming through all of the tutorials in there. I'm looking forward to seeing what she makes in the New Year!

Stripey Skirt

I've had a bit of a problem lately that has meant I need to make some new clothes. You see, I've lost 7kg (15lb) over the last 6 months and a lot of my clothes - especially skirts and trousers - are becoming too loose to wear. I know, terrible isn't it?!
Seriously though, I'm loving that I can make clothing that suits my new and improved body shape a little better, so I'm digging out some tutorials that I've been wanting to try out.
I've had some pink and brown striped jersey knit fabric for a little while and decided to make The Hopscotch Skirt using iCandy's tutorial. If you haven't checked out her wonderful tutorials, then definitely take a look. I changed it around slightly as I wasn't a huge fan of the checkerboard look, but otherwise followed the tutorial exactly - and it was so easy.

I love the sash tie on the front, it just adds a bit more cuteness to it.

Plaid Girl's Dresses on Etsy

I've added some more items to my Etsy Shop - these gorgeous plaid woollen dresses:

All three dresses are Size 1, and these are the only ones I plan on making. At least for now and in that fabric, as it's fabric I just picked up a few months ago not knowing what I was going to use it for!

My little model helped me out again - luckily she's a small two year old and the dresses fitted her still.

Aren't they just so cute? And perfect for those cold winter months.

New skirt additions to my Etsy Shop

I know I've been quiet on here lately, but that's for a good reason. I've been very busy on my sewing machine!

I made these corduroy skirts recently, and the other day had a photoshoot with my cute little model.

I've got to say, I love it when I've finished making something and it ends up looking even more cute on a little person than I even envisaged.

I have added these skirts to my Etsy Shop so they are available for purchase now - they are sizes 2-3 (they have an adjustable waist), but I will also do custom orders.

So let me know what you think!

Ice Cream Cozy

A while back, I pinned this Coffee Cozy Tutorial.  The thing is though, I’m not a coffee drinker but it looked so cute that I wanted to make one, but had to find a reason ... !


Fast forward a few months, and I found my reason. Once a week my husband and I sit down with some vanilla ice cream with milo on top (is there anything better?!) and watch one of our favourite TV shows. We have it in small ramekin bowls (portion control) but, being a particularly slow eater, I find that my hand gets way too cold.


Cue the Ice Cream Cozy!



Front

  

Back


I altered the pattern slightly to fit the ramekin, but otherwise followed the tutorial completely. It was a great project for using up some scraps, and I love how it turned out. And, of course, finishing it meant having to try it out, right?!

Woollen Skirt

I know, another skirt. I have decided I really have to start making some tops to go with all of these skirt creations!

But in the meantime, I am a bit excited about this one.

I picked up some woollen plaid material a little while ago from my local Spotlight store, with the plan of making a nice, warm winter skirt. I had an image in my head, but wasn't sure whether to go with a pattern or just wing it. After much hesitation, I decided to go without a pattern and, using an existing skirt to get the sizing right, I took the scary step of cutting out my fabric.

I cut in on the bias as I knew it would fall a bit nicer, and I much prefered the diagonal plaid pattern. I also decided to use a zipper for a side fastening, and an overlocked edge finish for the hem. The wool fabric is pretty thick, so I tried to take that into consideration while designing it so that I wouldn't end up with bulky hems etc that wouldn't fit under my sewing foot on my machine!

I was a little surprised that it ended up fitting so well, and it is really comfortable and warm to wear - which is great for the icy Melbourne weather at the moment.

Success!

Study Hall Skirt

I’ve recently finished making a skirt that I’ve been really excited about – I bought the pattern at the beginning of the year, and have actually had the fabric since last year, but I was a little nervous about how complicated it might be to make. So I decided this would be a perfect project for my weekly sewing lessons, so that I could get plenty of guidance along the way.

I used Anna Maria Horner's Study Hall Skirt pattern, and the fabric I used was Amy Butler’s Love – Memento, in Burgundy.

The fit is perfect, to my utter relief (I haven’t been as lucky with other patterns recently) and it is very flattering and comfortable. And pretty J

Recycling Old T-Shirts – Part 2

Last week I blogged about my stack of beloved t-shirts that I wanted to reuse, and so I thought I'd share another t-shirt recycling project with you.

While scouring the internet for inspiration, I found this T-shirt Skirt Tutorial  and decided this would work wonders.

Front

Back

I used three black t-shirts for this (sorry, I didn’t think to take before photos!): two of the t-shirts were used for the main body of the skirt, and the third (which was an old t-shirt I wasn’t that keen on anyway) I used for the skirt band – I prefer a stretchy band to just using elastic.  


It didn’t take long at all, and the best thing was that I didn’t have to hem it, as I just used the existing hemmed edges of the t-shirts!

Recycling Old T-Shirts – Part 1

I recently had a big clean out at home and discovered a stack of t-shirts that I love, but don’t fit anymore. I couldn’t bring myself to give them away, so I scoured the internet for ways to recycle them. I found plenty for t-shirts that are too big (blog posts for the future) but hardly any for ones that are too small.



I then came across mmmcrafts messenger bag tutorial that I had pinned onto Pinterest (seriously, who else is addicted to Pinterest?!) and realised that I could incorporate one of my t-shirts into that.

This is the t-shirt that I used (I’d already started cutting into it, when I decided I should take a “before” shot ... ). Can you see why I didn’t want to get rid of it?



The tutorial was so good, and easy to follow. I actually really enjoyed making it and it didn’t take long at all. For the main fabric, I actually used stiff curtain fabric and it was ideal – with just a red cotton lining.

Here is the finished product – the only thing I would have preferred would be having the image a bit further down, but I just had to work with what I had. I’ve had SO many positive comments about this bag, which is great because I love it too.



Stay posted for Part 2 ...

Plaid Wrap Skirt

A few weeks back I saw a picture of a plaid wrap skirt and I automatically thought “I bet I could make that ...” Usually, those sort of well meant plans have ended up in either a really dodgy result, or a massive headache of mistakes, lots of unpicking and vowing never to do it again.



So, this time I decided to do the proper thing of making a practice skirt out of some old fabric that I couldn’t use for anything else. I used an existing skirt to make up a pattern, and it ended up working out even better than what I’d expected, no alterations needed.

Front view

Back View

I finished my skirt the other night and wore it the next day, and LOVED it. The only thing I may need to address is that the D Rings don’t offer quite enough support for my peace of mind (they’re not bad, but I like to be 100% sure with wrap skirts!). I’m going to make another skirt with some gorgeous woollen plaid material, so I will do a “Plaid Wrap Skirt 2.0” and make the fastening more secure.

Bags of fun ...

Lately I've been making Nicole Mallalieu's City Shopper Bag (from her book You SEW, Girl!) as a present for my neice who was turning 10 years old. Well, this week I finished it:

I agonised over the fabric choice in my favourite fabric shop for a little while, but I am really happy with it (don't you just love the retro bikes!).

I also made this for my 5 year old neice (a request from Nana):

And, not wanting to leave out the remaining sister, I made her this purse together with my first lot of fabric covered buttons (I'm addicted to making these buttons now ... ):

It's amazing what you can get done on a wet and gloomy ANZAC Day public holiday.

Spoonflower

We got a very exciting package in the mail this week – our order from Spoonflower.

For those of you who haven't yet heard of Spoonflower, it's a company that prints your own designs and images onto a range of different fabrics. It can all be done online, and ours arrived from when we submmitted our design (from America to Australia) in just over 3 weeks.

The prices are quite good for what you're getting, I actually worked out that it was actually cheaper than some cool fabric (you will see this in a few weeks ... ) I picked up here in Melbourne. You can also submit your designs for others to buy, and you get commission on any that are bought, which is definitely something I'm encouraging my graphic design husband to do!

OK, now that I'm done "selling" it to you, I will show off our fabric:

We set it up in a way that we can cut it up and use them as embellishments, and the circles for fabric covered buttons. So keep an eye out for future Etsy items that will feature these cute little guys.