My Favourite Babydoll

This is one of my first makes from way from in September 2013 but I never blogged about it because from the instant it was complete it became my absolute favourite dress. It is made of a heavy cotton with some stretch, is a casual dress, and is utterly comfortable. I didn't have time to blog about it as I wear it so often. I wear this while making NEW clothes. 

The pattern fit really well, except the design had a straight side seam and I wanted a little more definition on the sides just below the bust to help even out the billowy front and back. I took off about an inch on both sides from bust to waist by sewing a curve in. It worked well and the fit is more comfortable and holds the gathers below my bustline preventing them from creeping up. I should have added a little more depth to the bust to help the gathers stay under my bust line, but this was made before I knew to always measure my patterns first. 

The bottom hem of the dress is short but not too short for me. I have no height so don't need any length. I made it slightly shorter than I would usually wear my dresses but that was to emphasize the babydoll effect and reduce the matronly look this dress could easily go to.

This was my first button placket and the first time using my buttonhole feature on my new machine. It took me awhile to adjust the left and right side stitch proportions but once I got it just right I was so pleased. WHAT a time saver that feature is. My original machine didn't have that so I shied away from button holes because my only option was a short zigzag stitch which took FOREVER and never ended up that straight. Sewing in a straight line is hard friends. 

But my BUTTONS are adorable to me. They are opaque white bulbs. Simple yet pretty. I've always been partial to shank buttons over sew-through buttons. I just like the prominence and solidity they bring to a garment. No threads showing. Just a personal preference.

And just a last remnant of Christmas with a bauble shot for you. :)

Pattern: Ottobre Design S/S 2012 Dress #3

Size: 42

Fabric: Stretch Cotton from the Thrift Store (yardage)

Cost: About $1 (bought 4 Yards for $2.50) and $0.50 for the buttons (4 Packs for $1)

Alterations:

• Took out 1 inch from each side seam at the waist to add more definition and reduce bagginess
• Shortened pattern by about 6 inches (I don't have ANY of that Scandinavian Height)
• Added Bias binding to the Sleeve band instead of Elastic

**Ignore the funky colouring of the photos, the lighting was terrible so I lightroom'd the shit out of them! :D

Read More »

Review: Ottobre Design A/W 2009

While I was browsing the internets for patterns I came across OTTOBRE Design Pattern magazine. It is designed and printed in Finland by Studio Tuumat Oy.

They have a monthly children's pattern magazine but the woman's magazine only comes out bi-annually. I don't mind this twice a year because the majority of the patterns are winners. Also, a great aspect of the magazine is that they use normal people to showcase their clothing. Normal people with normal proportions. So you can see the patterns on all statues - short, tall, slim, and wide.

The magazine includes the patterns and written instructions. It does not include a cutting layout or illustrations. The patterns are 8.5 Euros each.

So lets see these patterns!

The Patterns I Love:

Not only do I love this pleated bubble skirt but I LOVE the colour of the fabric! It just screams Christmas cheer to me! I also really like the simple black tank (including the fabric choice) and the jacket is a definite win. Look at that adorable back pleat detail!

I'm a fan of casual knit dresses. I also prefer patterns that have sleeves included. They always work better than trying to set in my own sleeves. The jacket is a simple A-line that would be a quick make. I probably wouldn't make the pants  or the scarf though.

Underwear? LOVE IT. Look at those hot shorts! Those are high on my to make list. I wish I had a serger! That would make life quick and easy! The tank top is cute with the ruching but it isn't something I'd likely make.

Now, I really like the styling on these photos. I like the brown tones and the cute wooly hat. The Jacket, shirt, and tshirt are all simple items. Everybody loves a quick sew. I might make the pants, I like the crop wide leg on them.

Now, this pattern set is a love/hate. I love the skirt and I like that it is done in a plaid. Lots of thick pleats. I could make a schoolgirl kilt for myself! The t-shirt is nice is you hack off those sleeves. I like the neck detail. The jacket is something I would never make, the wavey bottom hem looks sloppy not like a design feature.

Patterns I am Not a Fan of:

It isn't a bad pattern, it is just something I'd never wear. A simple sheath dress with pockets would just make me look pregnant (NEVER DESIRABLE), and the sweater/jacket is too long and too short all at the same time. They include a basic button-up which would be nice though.

Let me start by saying there is nothing wrong with this tracksuit jacket. I just would never sew it. I prefer to purchase my sportswear because I can never find appropriate material for it. And the pants aren't anything special.

Again, not a bad pattern, I just don't wear wrap dresses. And again with those sleeves, they just look so outdated to me. 

So what do YOU make of this OTTOBRE Magazine? Would you purchase it?

Watch for another two OTTOBRE Design magazine reviews from me in the next weeks.

Read More »