An Evening Anna

As usual, I'm a little late to the party when it comes to popular indie patterns. I am probably the last person in blog land to express my love for BHL's Anna dress, but I'm about to do it anyway (sorrynotsorry!).

This is THE most flattering, comfortable and amazing dress I have ever owned, let alone made. Construction-wise it's not perfect, but neither are any of the RTW dresses in my closet! It's soft and flowy. It's both modest and daring. The combination of colours and fabrics (and time!) somehow magically came together to form a dress that is completely me. That feels amazing. I may never accomplish it again. If I do, I hope it's a coat...

The Details:

Pattern: Anna Dress - By Hand London
Size: US 10.
Variation: Maxi length with slash neckline and side slit. Full lining.
Alterations: Shortened waist, shortened shoulders, shortened hem, used shorter back zipper.
Fabric: Navy bamboo/viscose + weird baby blue viscose from the Remnant Warehouse. Burnout poly chiffon - thrifted.
Necklace: thrifted. Hair piece: somewhere in Katoomba...

I made this dress specifically to wear to the inaugural Recycla-Ball (like recyclable!?) - a formal evening function celebrating sustainability and the arts at my university. The entire evening was the brainchild of my dear friend Mel and myself, and is the main reason for the lull in sewing projects around here these past few months. Between the two of us, and a couple of helpful friends and mothers, we made almost all of the decorations, including an awesome DIY photo-booth with props! The guests were encouraged to wear formal attire that was either handmade or altered, vintage or thrifted. The night was completely amazing and still feels like a dream. I was planning on doing a whole post about the Ball, but honestly I can't bear to think about paper flowers just yet...

The thing I love most about BHL patterns is the way they show the included ease for each size. This dress needed enough room for a night filled with mini hamburgers and sorbet, fancy cocktails and all of the dancing (followed by a speech! ahhh!), so I confidently cut a size US 10.

The good thing about being late to indie pattern parties is that I go in fully aware of the problems I might encounter. This pattern was in no way designed to fit a petite frame right out of the packet. But that's okay. It's the prettiest dress pattern I have ever seen. Why learn to sew if not to make pretty things fit properly?

Petite Alterations for Anna:

Basically, the unaltered Anna dress fits me perfectly horizontally. Vertically, however, I am suddenly transformed into a small child waddling around the house in her mother's clothing. It's seriously bizarre. I didn't make a muslin because... I don't know. Paper flowers were more important at the time! The following alterations were all made mid-construction.

1. Removed 1-2cm (about 5/8 inch) from the shoulder seam, starting at the neckline and grading slightly back out toward the sleeve to avoid shrinking the armscye. This pulled the bust pleats up into the right position and solved the neckline gaping. There is still wrinkling around the sleeves. I don't know whether this is a result of the shoulder seam change or if it's just the drape of my fabric, but it seems pretty similar to the examples on the BHL website.

2. Removed about an inch (possibly more) at waist seam.

3. Removed approximately one basquillion inches from the hemline. Seriously, it was a lot.

My other major alteration was a semi accident. Out of pure laziness I used the only black invisible zip at hand, and decided to button the top and leave a keyhole style slit at the upper back. On the night of the Ball, ten minutes before people started coming through the doors, I threw on my dress only to realise I had completely forgotten to attach the button! So, I folded in the edges and went with it...
After seeing all the photos from the night, I actually love the V shape in the back. Obviously, it would be nicer and neater if it were intentional, but I can't decide whether to leave it or change it...
In the picture below it's pinned closed the way I had intended.

Construction Details:

The main navy fabric is a weird and wonderful blend of bamboo and rayon. It has an odd texture with a faint sheen that almost looks like crepe in these photos. It was the tiniest bit too sheer to use on its own, so I added a full lining of another weird rayon substance (not the bemburg I was hoping for). Online shopping is risky business...

As much as I love the feel and pressability (that's a word now) of rayon, it has it's problems. Half an hour of meticulous ironing was completely undone after a 2 minute drive to the photo shoot destination... Don't even know what is going on with the bust pleats in these photos. I promise it was lovely and smooth on the night!

I used french seams throughout the lining and waist seam, and pinked the main skirt seams to avoid bulk. I added facings to the lining to avoid any pale blue from peaking out around the neckline, and handpicked the lining to the main fabric along the side slit. The awesome orange stuff on the front panel is a piece of velvety burnout chiffon that has been in my stash forever.

Obligatory leg flash!

Angelina Jolie makes it look so much easier...
It's the end of Winter, so no judging the ghostly colour of my leg... I wore lacy black tights to the event and it looked much more glamorous. I hope.

So, I'm pretty sure this is the first of many Anna dresses.
Have you made a version? Or multiple? If so, show me show me!

And have a lovely week :)

Beautiful Finds - Etsy Eyecandy

It has been a little while since my last Etsy feature post! Oh well. I'd prefer to keep these posts minimal and inspired rather than frequent and forced. There's hardly a shortage of articles bombarding us with mediocre things we ought to buy!


 Seriously amazing stained glass earrings by ArtKvarta, Ukraine.


Need this shirt in my life lately! Handblocked racer-back tee from Exsect - Texas, USA.


I have been thinking a lot about finding a more professional handbag. Love the simplicity of leather and linen! Handmade by Hello Violetta, Bulgaria.


Gorgeous vintage brass and turquoise beads from the 1930s. Fagins Daughter - Melbourne, Vic.

See more items like these!

Hope everyone has had a great September :) This month has been crazy in so many wonderful ways, but I am completely ready for it to wind to an end!

The Senna LBD!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to thank you all so much for the lovely comments on my last post. Knowing that people have so much faith in my little business is totally inspiring :)

Today's project is exciting for a couple of reasons: it's a completely new style for me, and it's also my first foray into pattern testing!

When I first saw Lindsay's newest pattern, the Senna dress, I knew that I was destined to make a little black version. It looks like I wasn't the only one; check out these gorgeous LBD Senna dresses by Mady and Beth!

Although pencil skirts and tight-fitted clothing aren't my usual cup of tea, I was drawn to the lovely combination of ruched skirt with loose, blouson style top. The versatility of this pattern makes it ideal for trying out a new style or silhouette - if all else fails, it makes some great separates. The sleeve length is perfection, and I do love a kimono top!

Being somewhat lacking in the tall and slender department, I had some doubts about ever looking as demure as Lindsay does in her floral number. For this reason, my version is a secret two-piece!

Using a super drapey knit fabric from the Remnant Warehouse, I cut a size 10 for both skirt and top variations. I left the top longer in length, so that it just tucks beneath the skirt waistband.

Despite being amazingly soft, my fabric was a little more lightweight than it should have been (the toils of internet shopping...), so tights are pretty much a necessity. The plus side of this accident is that it ruches extremely well. Rather than shirring, I stitched over a thin strip of elastic at each side seam. This is the recommended method in the released pattern, and it's so simple and effective!

My skirt looks a lot shorter than the pattern intends, but it wasn't cut that way. Another positive of the thin fabric is that I can pull the gathers up and down and adjust the length however I like! Wearing it as an extra-ruched mini feels a bit more secure, and I think it's more flattering on my short legs :D

In all, I'm really happy with this outfit. Like most knits, it comes together ridiculously fast - I finished it in an afternoon! And making separates has already proven to be a great idea. The close fit of the skirt will take a bit of getting used to, but I'm imagining so many awesome batwing blouse/baggy sweater combinations!

Despite my lack of tight-skirt confidence, I'll admit that these photos turned out pretty great. It's all in the posture! These dorky little legs have minds of their own (and plaid tights make it so much worse!) Maybe one day I'll show you some outtakes... 
In time, when I have perfected the art of walking and standing sensibly, this skirt will be a serious staple!

What do you think? Are you planning your own Senna dress?

Obligatory Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The Senna pattern was provided for free, as compensation for honest feedback during the testing process. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful Finds - Etsy Eyecandy

Vintage Justin Roper ankle boots from NowVintage - Oregon, United States. I love the deep burgundy colour!

Beautiful ombre resin necklace in forest green. Handmade by Beauty Spot, Ukraine.

Gorgeous Czech glass beads in caramel, from Zoe & Bruno. Victoria, Australia. Seriously check out this store - I have never seen beads look so delicious!

Hand-carved wooden hair/shawl pin by The Ancient Muse, Turkey. I just discovered this store, and if you're looking for interesting things to do with your hair, it's amazing!

Happy Monday everyone!

Apologies for being MIA of late - on top of uni work and knitting new orders I've been doing a little bit of event management. Can't wait to fill you in on the details :D

I'll have plenty to post about once the fun part begins - preparing decorations!

A Striped Knit Dress - With Sparkles!

I bought this organic cotton jersey a few months back, after seeing this knit dress from Madewell (no longer available). I have been loving the combination of horizontal and vertical stripes for a while now, and there's nothing better than a looming essay on rhetorical criticism to motivate me to sew!

Warning: Despite my sad hair day, this is a pretty picture-heavy post. This dress is that awesome!

If you have been reading this blog a little while, you might recognise the bodice from my blue striped top. The unexpectedly trusty Simplicity 9427 was a pretty perfect candidate for this dress style.

I cut the size XS, stopping at the waist-line, plus taking a slice out of the center back and a decent amount from the side seams to account for stretch. As happy as I am with the result, I sort of wish I had stayed true to my inspiration and straightened the front side seams. 

Next time I guess!

All seams and top-stitching were done using a ballpoint needle and zig-zag stitch on my regular machine. I used a strip of elastic to gather the skirt pieces before attaching them to the bodice. This means that the waist seam is extra flexible when pulling the dress on and off. PJ level comfort!

The jersey is pretty lightweight, so it's going to be awesome in Summer. For now, though, it goes nicely with tights and a cardigan!

Because the fabric is so thin, I decided to line the bodice for a bit more structure and opacity. The back panel is lined with self-fabric, and was literally the only stripe-matching required for this dress! I lined the front pieces using a soft and slightly thicker cream knit from my scrap pile. 

The greatest thing about this jersey is near invisible in the above photos, so here are some gratuitous close ups. Gold sparkles!

If you want to get your hands on some of this gold striped organic cotton jersey, it's still available via The Remnant Warehouse (AU & NZ). I'm hoping to scrounge a casual top out of my leftovers!

Lining a knit garment is not something I have done before, but with careful pinning it was pretty straightforward. The result is beautiful. I love the clean neckline and the way it makes the whole dress feel more secure. I'm positive that it will last longer too. 

Have you ever lined a knit garment (the Moneta dress, perhaps)? I'd love to hear what you think!

Happy Sunday!

Beautiful Finds - Etsy Eyecandy

Botanical themed ceramic buttons by Back Bay Pottery - CA, United States.
Have you ever seen buttons so gorgeous?! If anyone happens to buy a set, pretty please show me what you do with them!



These beautiful oak wood coasters would be so perfect on a painted coffee table. Handmade by Les Domoy - Moscow, Russia.



I just love the mint and gold combination of this multi-strand leather bracelet. Handmade by Aimee Glucina - Auckland, New Zealand.



I just recently stumbled across the wonderful prints by Sam Georgieff of Poor Dog Farm, United States. His store is filled to the brim with beautiful ink and watercolour artworks - many featuring adorable animals wearing hats, like this "dapper manatee"!


Hope everyone has been having a lovely week :)
I'm looking forward to some sunny weather over the weekend - there is a new dress longing to be photographed!

A Blue Knit Shrug

I'm so excited to finally share this project!

In between shop orders and uni work, I have been slowly working away on this knitted shrug, using the free Rectangle Knit Shrug pattern by Lion Brand.

The pattern comes together surprisingly quickly if you're a reasonably fast knitter. I had only just started to go insane by the time I finished the second piece. Plus, all that stockinette makes this the perfect movie-watching project.

I never really understood the appeal of owning a "shrug" (they're weird and awkward and what if your front gets cold?!). That is, until I saw this glittery navy version. Maybe it's the styling, but something about it is just cool. I still wish mine was glittery.

  

My shrug was made using a 5ply (sport weight) merino yarn from Bendigo Woolen Mills. It's super warm and I love the muted blue colour, which is a little darker in person.

I only made a few changes when following the pattern: My sleeve cuffs are a little shorter, and I used a different method to join the pieces at the back seam.
The method I used (tutorial here) leaves you with a nice neat seam that is practically invisible on the outside (should have taken a photo...). The seam is also flat enough to incorporate embroidery like I did!

I included the button-holes but ended up leaving off the buttons. As awesome as wooden buttons would have looked, I honestly have no idea why they are recommended. Unless you go up a size (I knit a small) or happen to have a miniature ribcage, it looks pretty terrible pulled closed!

The embroidery was kind of a last minute, late-night decision. I wanted to add something special to compliment all those hours worth of stockinette. It's a very very simple design: just a few lines of running stitch using a fine orange yarn from my stash, with some silver and white threaded through. I love it though, and it seems to make all the difference when deciding whether or not I should wear it.

Am I a converted shrug-wearer now? We'll see, but I think just this one might be enough. I'd love to hear how you all feel about the truly fascinating topic that is the shrug :P

Hope everyone has had a lovely week!

Beautiful Finds - Etsy Eyecandy

I just love this statement beaded necklace by Leaf & Feather - Sydney, NSW. All the colourful necklaces in this store feature a mixture of dyed wood and handmade polymer beads!



Hand sculpted and painted polymer clay stud earrings by Bouzy Moose Designs - Melbourne, Vic. The combination of copper and bright blue is gorgeous!



I'm loving these card-sized prints by The Ink Draw - Melbourne, Vic. Check out more of Sarah's drawings on her blog!



I keep coming across these miniature cob houses by My Minds Attic - Pennsylvania, US. I'm not quite sure what I'd do with one, but aren't they the cutest?

See more of this week's finds over here.

Have a great weekend everyone!