T H I M B E R L I N A

Latest Posts

Georgia, you were only supposed to be a muslin!

Published by Thimberlina

For TMS’s first weekly challenge of #IMP15 I decided to make The Geogia Dress from BHL. It called for a fabric with a little stretch to help with the close fit. As I’m trying to sew more quality than quantity I knew I needed to make a muslin.

I traced the size 14 (U.S. Size – I like being 2 sizes smaller so sticking with it!!), then rummaged in my stash. I couldn’t find anything suitable, so delved into my ‘clothes to be refashioned’ box. I found a pair of my hubbies old jeans, and then after further searching in another box I found a gorgeous piece of Egyptian cotton. The latter had been chopped off my mum in laws duvet cover when she wanted it making smaller. Neither had any stretch but it would give me an idea of the fit and also enable me to check out the construction.

The dress went together really well. I didn’t take any pix when making it up as I only ‘threw’ it together to get the fit right. I was more than shocked when I tried it on – not only did it fit, but it actually looked ‘ok’, apart from being ridiculously short – I’d not added the bottom panel at this point.

Once I realised I might actually wear this out in public I added the trim down the front and sewed some extra fabric on the bottom to make it a wearable length. I also edge stitched around the bodice and straps to give some stability to the edges.

Before it became a ‘real’dress this zip was just added as it was the right length and would hold it all together for fitting.

I’m so pleased with the nearly finished result. I say nearly as it’s innards need tidying up, and I think it would benefit from some boning to help hold the bodice up. The straps push the bodice to my body but the bodice offers no support or has any structure on it’s own.

Although I love it and it’s totally wearable, for my next I’m considering making a slight FBA if I use a none stretch fabric. I love that it’s not fitted on the hips and gives an A line shape. Usually I prefer things fitted on my hip as it’s about the only part of my that slim! But I’ve found the A line makes me appear a better shape, if that makes sense. I just love optical illusions!

Finishing A Cowl Neckline

Published by Thimberlina

I recently made Lekala 4119. If you’ve tried Lekala you’ll know the instructions generally expect you to have a fairly decent knowledge of garment construction or time to google. Or both. These are the complete instructions of the top describes as “Blouse with Draping”

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sew side and shoulder seams. Serge and press toward back.

2. Serge neckline, fold to wrong side and topstitch.

3. Serge armhole, fold to wrong side and topstitch.

4. Sew bottom part into ring. Fold in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and sew to hem, stretching a little bit. The seam is at the left side seam. Serge the seam.

This is a great easy to wear top. Cowls are in, but sleeveless ones narrow down their wearability. With this there’s no sleeves to set in so it’s a really quick make – if you know what you’re doing!

I like a clean finish on all my clothes – makes them last longer, they look more professional and less home made. I thought I’d share how I finish my tops and dresses with a cowl neck.

Bear with me. I’m not a teacher, and I’ve never had sewing lessons. This is just how I’ve found best to do it.

We are going to use a single folded piece of our jersey. It needs a little bit of stretch. If your fabric has stripes or a pattern try and use them – it make it easier when sewing if you’re following a pattern.

The length should be slightly longer than what is required. Fold it in half and press. This top called for a 1cm seam allowance, so your band wants to be slightly more than this -after folding.

I thought the width of the piece below was too wide so I chopped off one stripe. (really technical!). Once you’re happy, pin in place, pulling very slightly so the strip of jersey binding is slightly smaller than the neck line. Stitch binding to back neck line using a 1 cm seam allowance – I used the stripes as a guide – you can just make it out as I had a slight wobble midway. Turn it over and make sure it looks even. Trim off excess binding. Now you need to finish off your seam allowance. I overlock/serge mine, but you could trim it slightly and zig zag the edges. To serge or zig sag turn the fabric back to how it was when you stitched your binding on. Overlocked/serger……. Give it a good press. Top stitch in place with a normal straight stitch. The inside finished. Next you need to sew the shoulder seams. Below you can see the front and back are about the same size. Close up of neckline where front and back pieces will join. We need the front to over lap the back so shift your fabric so the front overhangs the back by 1.5cm. Bend it over and pin. Stitch – I use a straight stitch for all neck and shoulder seams on a cowl top as there’s no negative ease. Turn it the right way to check it’s ok. Inside view: Outside view: Turn the top back to inside out and finish your shoulder seam. I haven’t used any clear elastic to stabilise the seams but you can if you prefer. I like to topstitch to strength the seam and finish it off nicely. On some tops I’ve made which are slinky jersey i’ve not finished off the front neckline at all, and just left, as Jersey doesn’t fray. In this case I used wonda web to hem it – it gives it a sharp finish and no stitching to be seen. Ta-dah! and another! And another! I finished the bottom hem the same way but top stitched it with a twin needle (pat on the back – not done this before! well, not successfully!). Hope that’s useful. Any questions leave a comment or email me! Or if you spot any errors or anything that doesn’t make sense, let me know.

Me-Made-May 2015 Part 4

Published by Thimberlina

Crikey, I’d ~~almost~~ forgotten to write my final post for MMMAY15 with all the excitement of Jumping Into June! So without further ado, and no more mentions of Jumpsuits (it’s only the 2nd – I hope you’re not sick of them already!) here’s my last few days of MMMAY2015.

26th

A work day, but wasn’t starting until 12 noon. So was able to wear my me made clothes before i had to swap them for my uniform.

I wore my Victoria Blazer over a Sorbetto with RTW jeans. This jacket is just the best! It’s a bit like my Morris, in that i can throw it over anything and it looks good. It was really cheap fabric at £2 a yard, and with how it’s worn over the last year it shows. It’s gone a bit bobbly so I don’t wear it as much, as I want it to last forever!

27th

Cricket! For a change! I dressed for it being nice weather, but 2 hours into the game I changed into my jeans. Prior to changing I wore a denim Yasmin Yoke skirt and a stripy Coco. On the back of my chair you might just be able to make out my Colette Albion – it did get worn when the temperature dropped! Also on the back of the chair is a blanket I knitted last year, specifically for cricket – not sure why I never blogged it.

And look at that cheeky duck! I never fed it but it didn’t give up wanting my vanilla slice!

28th

A lazy day at home, so didn’t get dressed until later when we went for a bike ride……. to the KFC!! It was nearly a healthy ride!

Out came the Renfrew I wore earlier in the month. I don’t have anything else me made yet for bike rides, so it was either this or a frock!

29th

I wore my first Coco. A plain black ponte that is passed it’s best due to bobbling, but looks ok from a distance! I wore it with my favourite jeggings, luckily i noticed they needed some TLC before I wore them. It’s a wonder how I escaped a serious wardrobe malfunction – due to excess wear the seams were at breaking point! I sewed another seam about 1/4 ” from the original then topstitched for extra strength. Here’s the fix, before and after:

It was almost a full split! Front, back and inner thighs!

Excuse wires!! Still not quite finished the lounge off!

30th

I nipped out shopping in the morning, but the rest of the day was spent mostly in my dressing gown as I was sewing. When I was dressed I wore my new cowl neck Lekala but forgot to take a picture, so popped it on early next morning and H took one before I got properly dressed. He was still in bed! Not the most flattering photo – would rather have the camera above than below!

31st

We had an early start as H had his final trials for Yorkshire cricket. We had a nervous few hours to kill, so in the morning we had a walk around York. I wore my Candy Cowl Top, my Oslo Cardigan and my Colette Albion.

Are you sad it’s all over? I am. I’m still continuing to wear mostly me mades. I’m not fasting again this year – i.e. the RTW fast – but on the other hand I’ve only bought jeans and a waterproof jacket this year, so I sort of am.

I think my MMMAY shows I’ve lots of choice in tops and get plenty of wear out of them and cardigans and jacket, but next year I hope I’ll have more bottoms in my me-made wardrobe too!

I’ve loved my rookie year of me-made-made-May and hope that those of you who have just been on the side lines this year take the plunge next year.

The Leap Of Faith – with a modesty panel #jumpingintojune

Published by Thimberlina

Firstly can I apologise for yesterday’s post which may have distressed some readers and put them off their lunch. I returned home late last night after getting drenched at golf, opened my reader and was shocked to see me almost doing a full frontal for all to see! I never realised I’d put that photo as my feature image! Needless to say it’s gone and won’t be reappearing!

So, onwards and upwards!

We’ve all been waiting for June with varying degrees of anticipation and excitement! A few weeks ago in some friendly blogging banter on Chris’s blog it was somehow suggested that we’d sew Jumpsuits for June! Before I knew it I was signed up and dusting off my Holly Jumpsuit pattern – or Jolly Humpsuit if your that way inclined!

I think rather than rambling on I really need to just move on and show you my pics! The first photo shoot was in pouring rain, and after a dynamic risk assessment by trainee blog manager (TBM) and myself the height of the Jump was drastically reduced, and high heels were replaced with flip flops.

Strange face – slightly cold and anxious

Waaaay Hay……! The first Jump!

Landing Gear Engaged…..

Phew, safely down!

I was then instructed by TBM that I needed to jump higher and further forward! Did he not realised I’m nearly 44 and should really have some sort of crash mat on the ground for my delicate frame!?

Oh well, I decided I’d give it a go, so with trouser part of jumpsuit tucked away to avoid major trip hazard I prepared for takeoff.

Still smiling….just

Preparing for forward launch –~~nearly~~ getting an eyeful!

Thimberlina in Mid Flight!

And safely down!

After all the excitement, daftness and danger of the above photo shoot, I only thought it right to show you some ‘normal’ photos. Firstly a few quick ones taken in the rain.

As you’ll know it’s really hard to smile and appear cheerful for photos in the wind and rain so this morning as it was sunny I put it on, along with a makeshift modesty panel for a few more pictures.

Holly and Morris – they get on so well together! I also put my orange wedges on to see what Holly would look like with heels. I know they don’t match, but they’re comfy and I didn’t want to fall over on the patio for the sake of a few photos! These are really high, lower ones needed – #mustgoshopping

After seeing my pics and how versatile the Holly can be I just know you’ll be wanting to make one before the month is out! For those who think you’re the wrong shape or size for one, here’s my measurements. I didn’t think I was either, but I was pleasantly surprised with now it turned out. I’m 5ft4, bust 43, upper bust 39, waist 36 and hips 42. I added 1 ruler width, just over an inch I think, to the bodice, and did a 2 inch FBA.

Here’s the pix from the FBA – there’s a great tutorial on the BHL website:

This last one shows the pattern piece on top with out the FBA

The FBA worked a treat and reduced the boob gapeage but the increased width was really weird. It shouldn’t have given me any extra width on the front waist according to how I altered my pattern but i ended up with 2 inches, and I think it was these 2 inches wish causing the boobs to be exposed at the front! I nipped in the excess and sewed some darts – if you looks at the front you can notice some bagging under the bust but don’t think anyone else will notice.

So still not tempted?? If you need more inspiration head over and have a look at Chris’s first Jumpsuit (yes – she’s made more than one!!) and Amanda’s (I bet she’ll make loads….we should have a sweep stake and see who can guess how many jumpsuits she sews up in 2015!).

Oh, and guess what??!! Not only are we Jumping Into June this month, it’s Indie Pattern Month over at the Monthly stitch!! There’s competitions and prizes all months, with a different category each week. My jumpsuit won’t qualify for this weeks competition which is Dresses, but they want to see any Indie Pattern makes so I think I’ll have to share this over there too!

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN – #jumpingintojune

Published by Thimberlina

Oh my goodness me! Whatever has come over me! Last year when I made a random purchase of the BHL Holly Jumpsuit I had no idea what I’d be getting myself in to! This would never have happened before the world went technically crazy and we all started blogging!

So, here I am, about to take the plunge and Jump In To June! I’m sure you want to know more, maybe even join in yourself. If that’s a yes, then head over to Chris’s post HERE where all will be revealed. In the meantime, I need to have a rummage in the garage for something to jump off!

Due to certain time restraints, which include teeing off in a team match in an hour, I’ve not time to write the full post. Until next time when you see me take the leap of faith!

Cowl Neck Casual Top – Lekala 4119

Published by Thimberlina

Towards the end of Me Made May I felt I needed more casual tops in my wardrobe. I found a pattern on Lekala that had mini raglan sleeves which would be quicker than setting in sleeves, and a bit more versatile than sleeveless.

I made it first up in a fine jersey from Lucky Fashions at only £3 per metre. I never realised before I came to cut it out that I wouldn’t fit both pieces across the width of the fabric. As the front piece incorporates the sleeves and the cowl it was much wide than I anticipated. Luckily I’d bought a generously cut 1.5 metres. Wonder if thats why they call it lucky fashions!!?

The fine jersey was a bit of a nightmare to sew. It was ok through my machine but the overlocker really didn’t like it. It was only intended to be a muslin so I wasn’t too bothered. I left the arms and bottom unhemmed and bodged the neckline. It’s wearable but not sure what it’ll look like after a few washes.

It looks better ironed! This was a quick pic taken yesterday by H whilst he was still in bed! I’ve also got to remember to breathe in, or wear a slinky vest underneath to prevent it being figure hugging!

I was happy with the fit so confidently cut into some fabric which I’ve had in my stash for some time. I bought it from John Lewis last February when we were up in Edinburgh. The stripes are supposed to be horizontal, but due to the width of the front piece the 2 pieces wouldn’t fit. The fabric is 4 way stretch so I turned the stripes vertically and managed to fit the pieces on.

The fabric has more body than the fine jersey but still has a lovely drape. I’m really happy with the finished garment and I know I’ll wear it loads through the summer. It reminds my of a candy shop!

On both versions I omitted the bottom band as the top was plenty long enough without.

On my walk this morning I stopped off at my parents and Dad (who is now the new trainee blog manager) took some pix in his garden.

I took a lot more care in finishing my seams and hems:

I took a lot of photos of each step on finishing the neckline and am planning to write up a tutorial in the next few days. The lekala instructions are notorious for being rather vague and only called for the neckline to be turned and stitched. This looks a bit messy for this top (I know – I did it with the grey one), and it doesn’t take much more time to get a nice finish to it and make it look more professional. I even used a twin needle for the bottom hem for the first time (successfully!).

this would be a nice easy make if anyone’s thinking of joining in Indie Pattern Month over at The Monthly Stitch.

A LATE ADDIDTION TO THIS POST!!

Another 4119 made in October ’15 but doesn’t really warrant a post all to itself! I only had a small remnant of this black and white fabric so the back is plain black and the lower band matches the front.

Ready – Steady – Juuuuuuuuuuuuump!!!!!!! #jumpingintojune

Published by Thimberlina

Are you ready girls? I am! If not there’s 30 days in June so lots of time to get jumping!

Sunday Sevens Week 38 (me 13)

Published by Thimberlina

Hi, hope you’ve had a fab week! For all those of you with kids on half term hope they’ve not driven you too bonkers with this chilly weather we’ve been having this week.

Here’s a run down of my last week, showing 7 photos of what I’ve been up to. Natalie from Threads and Bobbins is the brain child of Sunday Sevens, so if you want to find out more head over to her blog.

1. I think this photo speaks for itself! I’m fed up of emptying the sink which is next to the dishwasher. I must say almost a week on it’s working!

2. Imagine my surprise when I spotted an old gypsy caravan whilst out for a stroll on Tuesday morning! The guy had stopped and was rolling a cigarette. I had a peek inside, it had a bed and other essentials so he must live in it! Excuse the pic not being very sharp, I was trying not to let him see i was taking a picture.

3. I was sent to Sowerby Bridge to stand by whilst at work, so found a good spot next to the canal. Whilst there I got a spell out of a little girls finger and helped open up the lock for a boat that was passing through!

4. What a view! My lovely mum! We were on our way to cricket. Harrison was playing for West Yorkshire against South Yorkshire. It was really in the middle of no where!

5. At the bottom of the hill in the distance we found Bradfield Cricket Club. It’s just a quaint village. This is the post office, which also incorporates the village store and a cafe. The yellow bike signifies it was part of the route for the Tour De France – Grande Depart.

6. Out for tea to the place which serves the biggest puddings!

7. Today we’ve spent in York for H’s final day of the trials for Yorkshire Cricket. He’s played in the B Team for the previous 2 years so fingers crossed he’ll get in. We’ll receive an email tonight saying yay or nay! So can you cross your fingers too if you’re reading this Sunday night GMT! This photo is after the trials, walking back to the car. Awww, he’s a winner in my eyes whatever happens!

Off to watch the finals of Britain’s Got Talent now to distract me from constantly check my email account!
UPDATE – he’s made it into the B team! Yippee! #proudmum

Me-Made-May Part 3

Published by Thimberlina

Hi Ladies and Dad! Don’t think there’s any more blokes read my blog but I know my dad does!

Not long now! Depending ‘wear’ you are in the world you, here in England there’s 6 days left including tomorrow. I’m hoping for a few date nights and scorching weather and I’ll wear a few frocks before the months out!

Here’s the last few days, it’s not been too much of a struggle and some days I’ve even concocted more than one outfit!

20th May

Was a work day, though should’ve been my day off. I need the following Wednesday off as H has a cricket match as part of his Yorkshire trials so worked a shift on the ambulance at Halifax – hence different backdrop for the locker room photo. The top is a newlook one I made ages ago.

21st May

Golf today. This was a tricky one to photograph as I was dashing from my match back to my home club for a committee meeting but managed a rubbishy selfie. My new Cabernet Cardigan had its first outing, worn with RTW linen pants and a sorbetto from last summer.

Just a funny note (for you Sheila!). When I was leaving the golf club after the meeting Steve the barman said: “when are you next bringing us some baking in?” (I used to bake, a lot.) Me: “Sorry Steve, I’m not baking any more, I spend all my time sewing” Steve: Crestfallen look on face. Me: “but you can chew on my sleeve if you want!”

It may be one of those, ‘you had to be there’ moments, but it was funny at the time!

22nd May

Another work day, starting at 7am. I turned up for work like the photo below and a work buddy commented I was looking rather smart, and she thought I’d not been home from the night before! It’s been quite a few years since anything like that has gone on!! There I go, telling the tale and nearly forget to tell you what I’m wearing. As well as the obvious, i.e. the Cabernet, I’m wearing the top i made last year for my 1950s fancy dress outfit! Would’ve looked a bit daft if i’d have turned up to work wearing the matching full circle skirt too!

23rd May

The sun finally came out and we had a lazy afternoon watching the cricket. I did walk round the pitch once though and persuaded Hubby to take a photo. I wore a top i made from copying a RTW one, and my most favourite pair of Espresso leggings.

Later on I had a rare treat. I went out with my hubby. A date night I s’pose they call it these days. We should have had a selfie but didn’t. He’d have been embarrassed. When he went to the bar I tried to take a selfie of just me without any one noticing. I’d had a couple of glasses of wine so come to think of it I don’t know why I was bothered. Here it is! I wore my newlook linen top and my Morris blazer and felt lovely!

24th May

A busy day, but luckily I didn’t have too late a night.

PART 1 – After waking up early and making a new top we went to watch H play cricket. I wore my first ever Lekala make (a free pattern) and my Albion jacket.

PART 2 – We went on our first family bike ride. Only 9 miles but it was a start. I wore a Renfrew I made last year from some crazy fabric my mum picked up on Leeds market. I made it originally for golf, but have only worn it once! H felt embarrassed to be seen out with me! At least the motorists out there would see me coming!

PART 3 – Another change of clothes! We went back to the cricket club after a shower and change to watch the ladies team play. It had warmed up a little so I wore my Yasmin yoke skirt, the drapey top I made that morning and my Oslo cardigan. Car Selfie….

Phew! That was a busy day. Exhausted just reading about it!

25th May….. Today!

And yes, more Cricket. But not until tonight, so first thing this morning I went out for a walk to my mums and back to try and notch up those steps (this is the 3rd day running I’ve managed to do 10,000!). I wore a hoodie I made ages ago using a teenagers sized patter. Its a bit short as I didn’t have much fabric. It was another treat from my mum after she visited Leeds market. She likes to challenge my with random remnants! I used to wear this when I went to the gym, but it’s a bit high at the front and drives me made most of the time. I managed to wear it all day though.

here’s a close up I took earlier in the day – the above pic doesn’t show the fabric off to it’s full potential! The colour below is pretty spot on.

Well, that’s all for now folks! Hope you’re enjoying ME-MADE-MAY 2015, either joining in, reading about it or both. And if you’re not then you probably will have switched off before you get to this bit!!

(apologies if there’s any typos, it’s taken longer to write this than anticipated, and I need to get to bed before my Hubby starts snoring, so no time to re-read it!)

Sunday Sevens Week 37 (me12)

Published by Thimberlina

Hello from Sunny at last Yorkshire! Not quite scorching but glimpses of blue sky 2 days running!

Here’s my run down and 7-ish photos from the last week. I’m doing this on my phone so bit tricky to link to Natalie’s blog over at threads & bobbins but I’ll change it when I’m less mobile!

1. Living the dream. Chicken curry and chips on my last night shift, and catch up with my WordPress reader.

2. My niece came round to borrow my machine for some college work.

3. I didn’t play golf on Tuesday as the weather was horrendous. This was an hour after we decided not to play! 😕

4. Hand stitching in my car, too cold to watch the cricket outside. Note elevated right leg (with dodgy circulation) attempting to the prevent the inevitable DVT.

5. Played golf in the A team match. I got whooped and the team lost. We played at Horsforth Golf Club. One of the holes is adjacent to the runway of Leeds & Bradford airport. Here’s a plane coming in…