Japanese Folds | Le Challenge {Dressmaking}

And here it is again, le Challenge has returned - did you miss it? I certainly did! And I cannot wait to see what the other participants made. 'The Rising Sun' - the theme for this month, so many different interpretations possible, and yet I went for an obvious one, using a Japanese dressmaking pattern.

I have had this book forever (ok probably not but it has certainly been a while), but I have never got round to make anything from it. But thanks to Martha - who just bought the same book, it has finally happened! She made hers in a Paisley fabric, so pretty. This is Top A.

 

I had two fabric options for this top - both bought in France (thanks Mum for bringing me the fabric!). I chose a baptist fabric in a much softer purple than the online picture might have suggested. For someone who hates ironing this may not have been the wisest of choices if I am honest. But the pattern on the fabric certainly adds interest, without being a nightmare to match in the folds. Result!

 

Talking about the folds, I was very worried about these. I had never done anything like that before and I was not sure how really. So instead of researching on internet - I decided to just go for it and iron the hell out the pleats, and then pin them and then getting sewing - simple. And it worked - beginners' luck I reckon.

 

 

Second was the gathered sleeves - it seems that all the last projects (the Malvarosa and the Cami dresses) I have sewn recently include some gathering, so this was much less scary.

So I thought I would show how I do it - honestly it is very easy.  

 1. Make your stitches the longest you can; 2. Sew gathering stitches within 
the seam allowance; 3. leave a long tail; 4. separate the top and bottom 
threads; 5. pull the bottom thread (red here); 6. and gather slowly

FIVE things you should know about making this top:

1. - The fabric could make this top easy to sew or very hard - go for cotton, it will save you time and hardwork
2. - It is a very quick project - the hardest part is to transfer the pattern
3. - Who thought that a 2cm bias tape was a good idea (for the collar) is wrong, it is a nightmare and proved to make it difficult, I would at least double (or maybe triple) the size of the bias tape
4. - It was huge (Mr MiH called it a tent at first) - making me look positively pregnant (I am not by the way) - so I had to shave off 10cm on each side and 5cm on the sleeves.
5. - Japanese patterns are great, even in Japanese - it gives you all the steps though pictures. easy peasy. 

And here we are a new top for my wardrobe - a post that is slightly late for the le Challenge - you will excuse the half hour delay! 

For all the other entries, go over to le challenge. Do join the fun for a chance to win a $25 at the Fat Quarter Shop (open until February 16 at 11am UK time). 

Le Challenge is back ... and a sewing challenge

Are you all ready for a new year of le challenge?  So here it goes..

The first theme is  .... 'the Rising Sun' - think new year/new you or Japanese or sunny fabrics! Many interpretations are possible. Projects can be as small or as big as you choose them to be!

Your homework is due on February 15 - back here of course. Remember you have to have a finished entry to have a chance to win the $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop. If you are new to le challenge, you may found interesting information here.

What will I be making? Martha and I have the same book, and we will be making the same pattern! I am super happy to finally use one of my books. I usualy buy them, full of excitement, and then .. they gather dust.

If you have this book, and want to join this fun, informal, challenge let us know and we will let you know which pattern we are sewing. We will be sharing sneak peeks and our deadline is set for February 15. 

Other than that there is a new button to grab ... 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://le-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/" title="Le Challenge" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/Lucy_Brennan/LeChallengebutton_zps100e8a3c.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo LeChalleng" alt="Le Challenge" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

So who is in? What will you be making?