Crafty Mermaid

I really loved this pattern when Kat asked around the WSBN for testers.  It was the first pattern I've ever tested and I was giddily excited to test it.  Its a great pattern and I'm keen to make it again - but if I want it to take a lot less time (and for it to fit better) I'll have to seriously learn from my mistakes.   I needed to grade between sizes and unfortunately as I was so long between starting this pattern and finally finishing it up, I can't even vaguely remember what I did to the pattern pieces to get to this stage.  Must. Take, More. Notes. As. I. Sew. The fabric was a relatively light weight cotton from Brazil.  The weight was great for the pattern but the design made it look - as one of the Fabric Hoarders suggested - like a paediatric nurse's uniform. So what would I change next time? 1. Place button in a location better suited to my bust (reduce bra sightings) - photo above 2. Grade around the bust differently -

Ha ha - please forgive the seriously glowing photos.  Two quick T makes before my Melbourne trip (still catching up!).  This T is the blank canvas T pattern .   Fabric from the Fabric Warehouse Pop up shop - not too long in the stash :)  The fabric has a nice texture and I've worn it once last week (on a quick visit back to NZ - a bit too heavy for summer in Melbourne).  The downside is that it might catch very easily, but we'll wait and see... I added a bit of extra length to the sleeves (I think from memory I doubled them).  I also shaped the side seams to give it a bit more of a flattering shape and extended the length by a few inches.  This one is size 45. Another blank canvas T.   And the fabric wasn't long in the stash either - from Levana.  This is a size down from the previous version (40 rather than 45) and I extended the length by a few inches. I didn't do too badly on the pattern matching and the fabric is nicely light

I fell in love with two of the Paprika patterns - the Jade skirt and the Jasper Sweater .   Nikki of Nikki's stitches made up a version and I had to pull the finger out and give it a go. The pattern is relatively straight forward once you get your head around the front origami folding.   Unlike Nikki, I decided to fully line the skirt.  I used a ponte from the Fabric Warehouse. You stitch under each fold to keep the fold in place and stitch the top to the lining.  I really enjoyed doing this bit and took my time as I was under the weather and BM's parents were also staying with us.  So I would sleep for a few hours and if they were out when I woke up I would sew a fold or two down. I'm not sure if it was my under the weatherness but it took a lot longer to sew up than it should.  I ended up having to redo the back zip 4 times and even I'm not especially happy with it. But its my first exposed zip and the skirt is wearable - just not in Mel

A round up of my card makes before my trip to Melbourne. Wrapping paper (recycled), sticker and tissue paper (recycled).  And by recycled, I mean given to me as gift wrap and repurposed. Fabric scraps and card (used). Stickers and papers. Fimo pig (me made), foam background, paper. Repurposed (used) greeting card. Recycled greeting card. Stickers and paper. Pen (glitter and metallic), foam ink and plastic jewels.  Basically a doodle with 3D elements. Stickers and scrapbook paper. Stickers and scrapbook paper. Fimo (me made) octopus, stickers and paper. Recycled greeting card and fabric pin. Recycled greeting card and gauze. Stickers, 3D ink and paper. Glitter and glue sticker. Glitter and glue sticker. Stickers and paper. Stickers and scrapbook paper. Embellishment and paper. Recycled greeting card and paper. Stickers, paper and printed paper. Stickers, paper, card and 3D embellishment. Purchase