Completed: Autumn Leaves Coppelia

God I love Autumn! Boots, crunchy leaves, pumpkin flavoured stuffs, tights and of course cardigans!

I have never been a Summer girl. Too much flesh to bare for me, I much prefer the comfort of layers and the warmth of the fire. Time to show you my new Coppelia cardigan! Much improved from my first attempt this is made from a wool blend jersey in my favourite shade of mustard! 

This colour reminds me of those beautiful yellow leaves that fall off the trees before they turn auburn and crunchy. Such a happy colour!

I made a few changes this time but I'm sure I could use a few more, this is Coppelia lengthened by 4 inches. I find the previous version added far too much bulk to the smallest part of my waist making me look very square. I didn't shorten the ties on this one as I did in the previous I need all the wrap I can get! I also left off the cuff as I naturally roll my sleeves up most of the time, I didn't feel I really need it but I have them cut incase I change my mind.

By the way, how perfect are these shoes? They match beautifully and I can see myself wearing this to work with some black slim pants. The fabric is a beautiful wool blend from Ditto in Brighton. Expensive for me but I squeezed this out of 1.5 metres which was a bit of a struggle, but it made it affordable.

 Here is what I'm going to do differently next time:

• Re-locate the wrap ties - Now its longer its not as flattering wrapped at my hips I'd like them more around my waist. I can wear it like this but theres a weird cross at the back.
• Cut 2 sizes smaller! My sleeves are massive and I overestimated the weight of this jersey. There is a lot of stretch and paired with the raglan sleeve this makes for a kind of batwing effect. I don't mind it being snuggly but I'm hoping it might need to do a bit more shrinking in the wash.

 

Stats:
Fabric: 1.5 Wool Blend Jersey from Ditto in Brighton £9.99 pm
Notions: From Stash £0.00
Total: £14.98
Wearability: 8/10
If I made the changes I listed earlier this would totally be a ten. This colour is super flattering to my "Wednesday Adams" toned skin and will look great with my work wardrobe and my home wardrobe!

How about you readers? Are you Autumn people?

Minerva Blogger Network: New Look 6922...

Hi guys! Here is my September Project for Minerva!
I love this time of year in England. The leaves are turning but the light is still beautiful, its not too cold and I get to pull out warmer clothes!

This is New Look 6922. Long time readers of my blog will recall a phase I went through making the top from this pattern 4 or 5 times! Its a great separates pattern and I always wanted to try the cardigan. I love the shawl collar and tied waist. Whats even better is there is no closures!

As soon as I saw the kingfisher blue ponte on the website I thought it was perfect. I've already sung the praises of this ponte before, using it for my coco dress! Its a lovely weight, but sadly a little too bulky for the collar. It has a tendency to roll so its tacked in place!

It has already become my go to cardigan when I want a bit of warmth. Its also easy to dress up with a nice pair of slim trousers and some ballet flats. Which is probably how i'll be wearing it to work! It reminds me a little of those 1920's cardigans, often a little longer with the shawl collar. I made the tie a little shorter just because of fabric restrictions but otherwise its straight out the packet!

 I have finally got round to sorting my remote out for my camera so these pictures are all me! No photographer needed. This is actually taken in my sewing room and I was super pleased with these photos until I noticed that damn box lid in the corner! Also trying some more fashiony poses, I quite liked the one above! I'll have to work ways to hide the remote itself, any advice bloggers? Where do you hide your remotes?

 Back to my cardigan! I can see myself making it again but not for a little while, its not a style I could have in every single colour. Its a great wardrobe builder though and so speedy to make! Next time I will nip the sleeves in a bit from the elbow and perhaps forgo the facing as all it seems to want to do is reveal itself to the world and I think the bulk it creates outweighs its benefits.

I have more Autumn based posts coming up! What is your favourite season?

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Completed: True Bias Hudsons...

Hello all! I hope your still out there after my slight name changeover! Most Blogger followers were transferred over but you may have to re follow on Bloglovin.

Anywhoo, I'm here to show you my latest make, the Hudson pants from True Bias!

These are made in a grey loop backed sweatshirting and my god they are comfortable!

I have a few fit things I would like to address with the next pair but for loafing around the house they are brilliant!

They fit nicely on the hips but the rise is too low for me, not only is it a bit unflattering but I feel I have to hoik them up every now and again! I chose not to use the cuffs and they are just the right length. I'm not sure if a cuff would be flattering on my "carrot" shaped bottom half.

I love love love the pockets and I felt a plain grey needed a pop of colour so I went with a neon pink cord.

 Due to said carrot legs, the knees are pretty baggy, this is not unexpected as I have this problem with rtw as my thigh and knee measurements are dramatically different with not much space between, being a short ass and all. In this pair it doesn't worry me, I could tweak them but with the weight of the fabric and the low rise all dragging it down its not worth it on this pair. They are house sweats anyway.
Now I'm sorry to have to talk about the "C" word but the crotch is uhhh interesting. This is to do with the rise again I have a lot of bagginess in the hip area but only when they slip down. I'm hoping if I fix the rise it will help.
Overall this was a good, quick, easy pattern and with a nice comfy modern outcome and I intend to make more!

Stats:
Fabric: Loop back sweatshirting with slight metallic thread 3m purchased 1.5 used £6
Notions: Thread/ Pink Cord and Elastic -£4
Pattern: True Bias Hudson PDF $10 about £7
Total: £17

Wearability: 7/10 Some things to work out but overall comfy and fit for purpose. The costs seem a bit higher than recent projects but as I will use the pattern again Its not bad.

How did you fare when making Hudsons?

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Brighton Meetup: 3 days to go!!!

Hi Lovelies,

Just a reminder that the Sewists meet up is a few days away! If your still interested drop me an email!

Can't wait for some fabric goodness!

Summer Stash Confession... PDF Patterns The Rest!

If you thought it was over, you may not know sewists very well! I have many more PDF's that still go unmade!

These are the other sneaky stashed patterns:

Victory Patterns:

EVERYTHING! Ok, not every pattern but Piemaker bought the first collection bundle for a birthday probably two years ago. Then I caved over Nicola!

Colette: Hawthorne and Anise - I have no idea what possessed me to buy a Jacket in PDF form! I still have dreams of a lovely coral wool. But it will have to wait until I finish the other 3 jackets in the UFO pile! I was wooed by all the chambray Hawthorne's around the web and I'm still keen! Probably the shirt version though.

April Rhodes: The staple dress - This is impulse to the max I bought the pattern parcel for this and the bombshell swimsuit. I'm not sure either will suit me but the dress looked so comfy! It will be worth a go but I'm going to lower the neckline considerably!

Finally! Undergarments! I've loved this pattern since it came out and who doesn't want pretty underthings? Not to mention this Ginger suit looks fabulous as swimwear. I need to get bra making again. I purchased some underwear making bits ages ago but lost momentum. I will get back to it!

There we are then! My shame laid bare! I'm hoping to kick my butt back into the sewing room soon and I have a few more makes to blog soon!

Stash Confession... PDF Patterns Trousers/Tops!

Its been a busy month or so here at Beebees. I've left a job and i'm getting ready to start a new one with a 3 week pit stop off at my mama's. This has meant lots of dream sewing instead of actual sewing! PDF patterns are a total weakness in times like this when sewing gets limited.
I'm here to show you my current pdf stash so I will be shamed into using more of them!

First up trousers:

Republique du chiffon Pantalon Gilbert - I'm waiting on the right fabric for this one. I like the shaping on these trousers but when I try this style on in stores the pockets gape a little. I think they would make great work trousers.

Style Arc Barb Pants - These were a freebie and I have been dying to try out Style Arc. This was a good way to try them out without risking lots of postage from Australia.

True Bias - Hudson Pant I had no idea how much I needed these in my life until staying at my mama's. Pyjama bottoms you can go out in? Thats pretty much me all over. I am going to use this pattern in the next 3 months because I have to! Fabric and notions are at the ready!

Tessuti - Anita Ponte Pant This is another one I have printed out ready to make up. I bought these before Barb but I'm not sure which will be the most flattering. I'm willing to give them a go as I've seen loads of great versions. They may end up looking a bit like my virginia leggings though.

Named - Jamie Jeans, There was a recent discussion on facebook about how many of us sewists haven't tried out trousers yet. This pattern appears to be in lots of stashes! Sew along anyone?

Then there is all the tops and shirts!

The first three were purchased recently for work from Salme. 

Pintuck Blouse - I really love this in the blue but if I could get the fit right I could see several in my wardrobe. I know I love colour but maybe I should try it in white?

 Same goes with the pleated blouse! Have you seen the amazing versions of this popping up on the interwebs recently. I love it when people bring older patterns back to my attention see these ladies for some inspiration! :

•  Sophie of Ada Spragg
• Kelli at True Bias
• Emily of Je Vous Le Donne Emile

This little gathered top is cute too and it looks speedy to make. Although I will have to be careful I don't look like a layer cake!

Belcarra has actually been printed and cut out already I just need to get it out the UFO pile!

More PDF Confessions soon!

Do Pdf patterns get lost in your computer too?

Its Happening again: Brighton Sewcialists Meet up! September 13th!

Its taken me forever to get myself organised but here it is lovelies. I'm running another Sewcialists meetup in Brighton! My adopted home town just an hour out of London.

The Itinerary:

11am : Meet at Brighton Train Station. We usually stay around half an hour just to make sure we are all assembled before wandering through the pretty streets to our lunch destination which is tbc until I know the numbers.

12 noon: Lunch and Swap. This is where you can swap any fabric pattern or notions you like. Just bring along as little or as much as you like! Don't be put off if you don't have anything to swap we always have spare!

2pm: Hitting the shops! There are two fabric shops in the laines and two further into town.

4pm: End of shopping and thence to the pub! We will select a bar or pub depending on our numbers and weather (beach anyone?) and anyone who doesn't need to dash off is welcome to come and show off their new goodies over a cocktail or two!

If you are interested in coming please RSVP to me at Beebeesvintagedress@hotmail.co.uk
Its always a fabulous event and we will try to accommodate as many people as possible!

The Return of the Graduate Wardrobe...

Those of you fabulous people that have been reading for a while or that have been lovely enough to go through my archive may remember way back when I started talking about a graduate wardrobe. This never materialised due to the fact that the universe can be a bit shit sometimes and decided to make me do a menial job until 60 applications later i've ended up with a decent job.

So now my thoughts are back on a professional wardrobe. But in blogland so many new patterns have been released since I made the first plan. I'm thinking it might be nice to make another. I've made two boards of the colours I think I would like to wear on a regular working basis. These consist of Coral/ Mint or Aqua/hot pink and neutrals White/ Caramel/ Black/ Brown. My accessories are simple gold. This is partly because I am allergic to fake jewellery. I've cheated a little on this first board. I have already purchased the white shirt and a similar coral one but its giving me an idea of how I can mix and match because lets be honest who wants to get up extra early to pick their outfit? I'm thinking the skirts may be Mabel and Lady Skater. I'm opting for comfort as lets be honest i've got a bus and train to contend with as well as teaching!

 I don't think i'd have too much of a problem finding trouser patterns. Clover seems to be promising in muslin stage. The shirts I have some ideas around but I'm not sure how formal I need to be dressed yet so i'll keep a loose idea on those.

Have you got any tips on designing a wardrobe for a working girl?

Royal Blue Mabel...

Morning Lovelies, I hope you are waking up to a brilliant Monday morning!

I'll be at work but nevertheless I have another Mabel attempt to show you! 

This one is made from a ponte that has been in my stash forever!

I got it as two remnants and only used one on this skirt! Love the small yardage on this pattern!

It just goes to show how different your jerseys can be though. Compared to the first Mabel I made this one is a little snug, same size slightly different quality. In order to remedy this a little. I let out some of the seam allowance on the front button band...

Talking of the button band where are the buttons?

Well, I had high hopes for this skirt. I've been dreaming of Santorini and beautiful greek islands. I was wanting some very white greek looking (if there is such a thing) buttons to go with the lovely deep blue skirt. Can I find the ones I want? Nope. They don't seem to exist and so instead of putting up with mediocre buttons I have decided to make it a design feature.

Are we all ok with that? Ok good. Moving on...

 Styling!

I didn't find styling this skirt too easy as wearing white with a pug around can be a challenge. I opted for different blues and this is probably how i'd style it in the future, also as I've said before i'll get the most use out of skirts in the winter with tights and boots. If i'm honest id fear for my modesty a bit in this one...

Stats time!

Fabric: Stash! 0.00

Notions: Stash! 0.00

Pattern: Used before so 0.00... I just remembered I didn't count the pattern last time! So say £10...

Not too bad I would have spent a tenner on something similar. I adore the colour and hopefully I have enough fabric to get a cardi out of the rest!

I must make a neutral and black mabel! How about you?

Fuchsia Fun Cardigan: McCalls 6844

Those who saw me at the Minerva meetup will have heard me saying I whipped up this cardigan in a panic the night before because I had nothing that went with my Hazel dress I was wearing in the daytime.

This pattern was so popular about a year ago and as per usual I bought the pattern and never got around to making it. That is until I bought this ah-mazing hot pink lace jersey. It screamed at me "I must be a peplum" and so I obeyed.

 The pattern is a breeze to put together and using my overlocker it took a couple of hours from cutting to wearing.

My only complaint is that I would prefer the collar to fit into the peplum rather than have a straight collar. I cut a size L but I could easily go medium. I like it belted without something to bring it into my waist it looks a little drapey and it has no closures.

I love love love the fabric. I think I got it at Goldhawk its a lace jersey in this eyewatering pink!

I chose to cut the graduated peplum and I like the dip. I think I will have another go at this cardigan as its a nice style but I would do a narrow shoulder alteration and cut at least a size down. However it really works well as a wardrobe builder. I find myself grabbing it for these muggy days we have been having.

Stats:

Fabric: 2m of pink lace jersey around £6pm so £12 (I may be overestimating)

Notions:Nada £0.00

Total: £12

Wearability: 7/10

The sizing is the only issue for me. Its the most expensive thing i've made in a while which wasn't a Minerva make. Thats mainly because a lot of my fabric has been stash recently. I don't feel too bad about the price I couldn't buy it that ethically that cheaply and it was so easy to sew on the overlocker I could churn them out! I'd recommend this pattern if you want a quick and dirty cardigan pattern with some style to it!

Flora and Fauna...

You guys can you believe its been weeks since the big Minerva meetup?

I can't I meant to blog this dress ASAP but it's gone so quick time got away from me.

Nevermind here is my June make for Minerva my "By Hand London Flora Dress."

Today we decided to have a go at some natural light photos. Thoughts on a postcard please!

First off, I didn't like making this dress. No ones fault but my own, the fabric drapes like a dream but slips like a devil. Its a lovely poly, (I know that sounds like an oxymoron but it totally is.)

 The colour is great and thick enough that I didn't bother to line the skirt. 

But the fitting was a total nightmare. My irritating narrow shoulders told me to take out 4 odd inches from the top but this left my arm holes a little snug, which then pulled the balance off of my bust. In the end I was short on time and ended up deciding that a top underneath was better than sewing the neckline together as this only encouraged boob tightness.

I would say I could easily go down a size or two on the front but with the drape of the fabric it gave a more relaxed holiday vibe to the other Flora's I've seen.

(please ignore the pug butt, Pixel refused to be left out and made himself almost uncroppable.)

The next thing I tackled was the skirt. Very pretty high low hemline but for some one so hobbitlike as myself it was verging on indecent. I didn't mind so much when I offset the highest point slightly to the side giving myself more of a faux wrap look. 

 Overall I really do like this dress and I'm sure it will get a lot of wear. I was very lucky to receive lots of compliments on the night and a chorus of "Oh I nearly bought that fabric today!"
 Here is how it looked on the night. I will try my best to fit in a post of its own soon!

 Here I am with the lovely Marie Amy and Katherine! Everyone looked amazing by the way!
If you follow me on Instagram you will have already seen these sneaky peeks!

Finally I had to put this beauty in. Piemaker said "Oh I don't think you'll want to use that one..." How wrong he is. This is the face I make when Pixels wriggling. I think you'll agree with the tagline...

Completed: One Short Day in the Emerald City Coco...

"One short day in the Emerald City, One short day to have a lifetime of fun" - Wicked

Aka my favourite musical of all time. Seriously guys ever wondered what the tattoo on my wrist says? Defying Gravity thats what. 

(There is a running joke in my family that when I'm old it will say Defying Gravy...)

Moving on!

This Coco is a Minerva make. The emerald ponte is the one I used for my Mabel skirt too! I do love to use up leftovers, 

Behold!

 This Coco has long been on my inspiration board. I have an unhealthy obsession with Boden and I had pinned this dress ages ago. I was going to have a go at her peculiar model pose but I'm not sure i'd look a sylph like...

I decided matching buttons were not for me so I went gold! I halved the collar piece but I could have been more brutal, my version is still quite high but overall I'm happy with the result.

I have however come to the conclusion that this Coco will only ever be a winter dress for me. Its very short for one so hobbit-like and I feel very exposed without tights. Not to mention the long sleeves, I was so warm taking these photos!

I am glad I picked this ponte. I think the colour is much more flattering to my skin tone than the more grassy green Boden dress. Its also super forgiving, very few lumps and bumps let loose!

Wearability is going to get a 7/10

I know I live in the UK where the weather is changeable to say the least but I'm banking on this being a Autumn/ Winter staple its a bit too snuggly for the summer! I'm loving this colour with Navy and I can see it looking great with my Virginia leggings I finished for the SWAP.

Ah well C'est La Vie Coco!