Upcycling for my boys - Part 3 :: Sewing ::

Handmade in action aka the post featuring the chubby legs and the elusive toddler

More on the bloomer here
More on the trousers here

Upcycling for my boys - Part 2 :: Sewing ::

A bit later than expected, here is the second part of my Le Challenge project - and my first pair of trousers, ever. If you have read the first post here, you know that the fabric I used is upcylced from my own trousers. After the bloomer for Little Baby MiH (I should really have done these items the other way round), I had a bit of fabric left but I was not sure I had enough. Hence the funky pockets (Leah Duncan fabric used here). 

I was lucky my trousers had really massive hems which gave me extra fabric for the belt. I did not make the back pockets, because it was wasted fabric (and time) - and to be honest I am not sure Baby MiH cares that much about them. 

I used pattern 619 of Burdastyle for kids (the issue currently available). I think this issue is a pretty good investment, even for boys. There are some seriously cute patterns for girls in it too. I bought it for this raincoat pattern - hopefully it may not be too much of a challenge... 

I really wanted an easy pattern for trousers that I could use again and again so that I could whip one up during the weekend, so that Baby MiH did not have to wear too many trousers with holes. I think there are still a couple of alterations to make to this pattern - but it is quite a good base. I am just wondering which trousers of mine (or Mr MiH) I could use next! 

Did you see the new theme for Le Challenge - DIRECTION. Will you be joining us next month? 

$3,000, really Isabel, really? | Inspiration {Dressmaking}

* Do not forget to enter my current giveaway for a chance 

to win a skein of TFA Mulberry Silk and knit your own beret*

Edited later: Sorry there are so many amendments to this post since I wrote it this morning!! SO this top is available in Europe for EUR 230.00 and not $3000 as I saw it on Net-a-Porter in the morning, it changes to $334 by 2pm (hence the trail in the comment box). The fact remains that it is still cheaper to make your own version (so no excuse people!). So I amended the post for those who have seen the morning version to reflect the new pricing. Phew - the editing is nearly as big as the actual post!!  

There are a few reasons why I am keen to improve on my dressmaking skills - one of them is to able to recreate some items of my favourite fashion designers, for instance Isabel Marant, and save some pennies in the process. 

I love Isabel Marant's style (I knitted my first jumper because of her) but I cannot afford her items (well maybe one if I am on a serious shopping spree), unless she does a collaboration with H&M. 

Pattern: from Burdastyle 04/2014; 

Fabric: Fredo Linen (latte not that keen on ecru): The Fabric Godmother or 

this printed Silk gauze from MacCulloch and Wallis

Probable modifications: ruffles (see my tutorial here) and shorten the sleeves

to be honest my main issue with the Burdastyle top is its length, so I would have to lengthen it, no one wants to see my stretch marks

Top: You can buy it on NaP

So let's do the maths...

Hmmm.. I am sure you could even invest the money you would save into a sewing course!

I already wanted to make the top when I bought the current issue of the BurdaStyle magazine (one of my favourite issues). Well, I just want to have/make it, like now!! Even Mr MiH will be impressed!  

Tropical shorts {Dressmaking}

Same pattern as the denim short shorts, and a totally different result. It is amazing how much the fabric makes the pattern. It is great as this my favourite pattern, and that I can actually make the shorts on my own. 

I tried to take more pictures and add details on the process. The fabric is again stretchy but quite thick so hangs quite well. It is probably the fabric you would want for these shorts because of their shape. I bought the fabric ages ago and have no record of where I got it from... a real shame as I really like the fabric. 

I have made a size 42 and this time it was bigger (maybe it was the first time too and I forgot), and changed the size of darts for a better fit. I had to make them shorter. 

The invisible zip is not that invisible, but as I found in my stash the perfect coordinated colour it does not bother me. 

As with the denim shorts I made a feature of the hem with some raspberry bias tape. I like how it finishes the shorts. 

To hold the inner interfacing I usually stitch in the ditch in the darts and main seam. The pattern calls for glueing fabrics together - quite a lot actually - maybe it is because it is meant to be leather shorts.. 

The trickiest part of the construction is around the zip - at the top, it is really fiddly but totally makes sense. 

The actual hem is hidden, and done by hand.  

And here we are some shots of non-ironed shorts, ready to be styled some time soon! 

I am totally ready for the next heatwave! The pattern is available on the BurdaStyle website for download - if you wanted to make your own. 

Chiltern Green Road

Mixing (my) handmade and high street...

Wearring: Panama straw Hat, updated by Made in Home (blogged here); Earrings: CinderelaB; 

Shirt (old Promod, but there is a bargain here); 

Spikey necklace: F21; Shorts: Made in Home (blogged here) 

Denim short Shorts {Dressmaking}

It may just be me, but finding the right pair of shorts is really hard. I don't expect anything funky, just shorts that will suit me and will be easy maintenance (ie washable). I waited a long time to get these shorts out. I made them before getting pregnant (I think more accurately before I knew I was pregnant) - so I did not get a chance to really wear them. They got discarded with my other pre-pregnancy clothes. 

But it is time to get my wardrobe back - even though I have no space for it. And these shorts needed to get out. They are as I remember them: super comfy, classy with a vintage twist. I thought they were a bit long for this very hot summer, and made them shorter this week. And I am going to live in them... until I make the next pair (I have a tropical print in mind)!

Patterns: Burda Style 12/2011 issue, no 112 (leather shorts)

Fabric: Light denim blue (find similar here)

Size: 42, and it does fit like a 42 (I am a 12/14 in the UK)

Modifications: Made them shorter - and made a feature of the bottom hem 

(yes, I could not be bothered to get the serger out)

Result: This is going to be my one and only shorts pattern. They are high-waisted, totally fit my bum and are flattering. Whatelse does a girl need? 

The magazine states that it is an easy pattern. I have to confess I made these when I took some sewing lessons last year - and it is all a blur as my teacher wanted to make sure I was finishing one garment per session. Great for my wardrobe, not so great for the learning part. Looking at the construction, now that I have made PJs, it does not look that bad. Plus I have a pair done that I can analyse in details if needs be. Slightly scared of inserting that invisible zipper on my own though. 

For those asking, I will be modelling these on Saturday, with my updated straw hat, so you can really see how well they fit! If you would like a sneak peek, you may find some pictures on my BurdaStyle profile.