Two bags in one {sewing}

The reversible bag is finished (free pattern from a very purple person). I made some time today to sew it together - I had the different bits looking at me with reproach - 'what are you waiting for?' (yes I talk to projects, don't you?). Well, I am not sure why I had a mental blockage when it came to finishing it. I just did not seem to understand the instructions, which are super easy - and yes I had to believe that the bag would go through the straps - I could not get my head around it. But It works. 

I took extra care to match the piping and that worked ok. I love the shape created by the darts at the bottom. As you may have noticed I made a bigger version, I increased all the measurements (I think by 5 inches but I am not sure anymore). 

The other side is surprisingly nice as well - I did not think I would like it, I put the rest of the spotty fabric because I had it handy, not because I would like use that side. But it is the top stitch that finish off the bag. It really makes the bag. 

Here we are a new bag for taking my projects around, especially Umaro! 

On another note, I finally on the MiH facebook page posted some pics of our holiday in Montenegro - just in case you wonder what it looks like!

Nesting {sewing}

There was a time when Mr MiH was very worried - I was not nesting according to him. He has not read anything much about the changes I was going through, but he was expecting that I would be interested in making things for the baby - all the time. I was not. He is now all relieved, and here is why: the little one's very first kimono. 

I used the (free) pattern from the PurlBee website. It is so easy to follow, the tutorial is full of pictures which works really well for me. The fabric is not new for those following my blog, I showed you on Monday the bias tape I made for the kimono, and the Essex linen is the one I used for my Denim Blue top. All from M is for Make. 

I changed the places of the snaps. I wanted to make sure it would be secured at the top. 

I was really happy with my choice of thread as it does not how at all (it is hard to see where I had to sew the snaps). The thread is from Coats Duet, colour ref 4520. 

I suppose this little tiny kimono gives you a good idea of what we might be expecting.. 

PS: I am now linking up to Plum and June Blog Hop. 

Denim Blue {sewing}

I love this top, I have worn it many times already. It is the first one I made during my sewing class back in March, and I am glad I still fit in it (admittedly just). It is easy to wear with jeans for 'dress down Friday' at work, or pack it when we go away. The fabric needs to be ironed really, but the bump provides enough stretching for me to deem this task unnecessary.  

Do you know how difficult it is to take outside pictures at the moment, with this weather? Fortunately we spent Bastille Day/weekend in France last weekend, and in Brittany you can  have sun and rain the same day. When we had a moment to ourselves (both sets of parents were there!) Mr MiH took his new camera and we were off to take pictures. The first one is my favourite! 

So less about photographic prowess, and more about the top construction. So the pattern is from La couture nature by Kyoko Sakauchi, a Japanese sewing book in French. The fabric is from M is for Make. It is part of the Essex Linen line of Robert Kaufman (in denim here). The fabric is perfect for this cold-ish weather. I did it in a size M (I am a size 12 in the UK, 40/42 in France). 

When I had the different pieces for the pattern in front of me, there were two things that were clear: 1) there was a problem with the sleeves (and it was not because of my fat arms); 2) I was going to look quite pregnant (I was not at the time) considering the size of main front and back panels. Note to self, do look at the pieces before you cut out the fabric. I added 2 inches for the sleeves, and I think I left the body as it was, but to be adapted at a later stage. 

The pattern itself is quite easy, there are a lot of pictures included like in any other Japanese sewing book - really useful when it came to the gathering of the front and the back panels. Quite an interesting process in the end. The pattern calls for some Vilene to stabilise the top, but I found in the past that the fabric became too stiff. I used some very light weight cotton voile interlining/facing in John Lewis (more expensive but it adds fluidity to the top). 

All in all quite a success, not sure I would have made it without the help of my sewing class. But I think it is probably a case of trying to make these tops or other patterns in the book and learning the process. I am still quite new at sewing garment for myself. But it is sometimes so much quicker than knitting! 

Shame this top will soon be relegated to my pre-pregnancy clothes pile!