Tasha Sews

My sewing group recently is currently holding sew-a-long and challenge to create an item using 1 metre of fabric. When this challenge came up I instantly knew that it would be the perfect excuse to sew another version of Simplicity 1884. As I have sewed this twice before ( here and here ) there is not a whole lot to add. I sewed a medium, and french seamed it (of course). I lengthened the top by 1.5", similar to the second version, but forgot that the fabric is a woven and does not stretch over my hips! If I ever make the dress version of this pattern, I will definitely have to remember to do some grading out in that area. Oh well, it does give this top more of a blouson feel so I don't mind. The fabric was picked up one day from a shop on Brick Lane in East London - I can't remember the name. Although I have spotted fabric shops towards the Aldgate end of Brick Lane, I have usually passed them when they are closed. The prices are not too shabby. I picked ...

PATTERN REVIEW - SIMPLICITY 1884 (again...) I shall keep this one brief as both the pattern and the fabric are things that have been posted about recently. As I mentioned in my last post  I had enough fabric left over from the dress to knock up this top previously blogged about  here.   In case you missed out on the fabric info in my last post, I used some jersey picked up from Simply Fabrics in Brixton. I have a special place in my heart for Simply Fabrics. It is true that there is a real mix of fabrics (and quality) but it is the perfect place to pick up fabric for wearable muslins as it is so cheap. I pretty much made it up exactly the same as last time, I only made some minor changes. These are:- Omitted the tie in the front Lengthened the front and back by 2" Used rolled hems instead of bias binding (as I sewed this pattern with a stretch fabric) Front & back close-up The only thing that I will have in mind next time I a...

Pattern Review - Simplicity 1884 Looks as though I am still on an instant gratification rush. I cut this top  out last week and finished it on Monday night in time for my birthday celebrations on Tuesday. This pattern was very simple. It consists of 5 pieces and fitting is very simple, I sewed this straight out of the envelope, cutting a medium (size 14-16).  The fabric is a lovely silky satin that was a present from my godmother when visiting France last May. It  is quite slippery and live, which probably added a little bit of extra time to the construction process, as did the french seams. I finished the hem and armholes with bias binding. I used sew in interfacing for the collar as I had run out of iron-on and am having a stash-busting January. However, I think that this works really well with the floatiness of the fabric and stops the collar being too stiff.  I think that I prefer this tucked in? Or maybe I like that this top looks nice...