New arrivals

We had some absolutely stunning fabrics arrive today. They are from a local designer who brings her fabrics to Australia from all over the world. It's a great way for sewers like you and me to get our hands on some imported fabrics at a great price.

Silk satin $30 a metre

viscose knit $20 a metre

printed drill $25 a metre

Viscose knit $25 a metre

Polyester de chine $20 a metre

embroidered organza $40 a metre

rouge lace $30 a metre

stretch velvet $25 a metre

printed polyester stretch satin $20 a metre

light weight knit $20 a metre

viscose knit $25 a metre

printed double knit $15 a metre

Stunning right!?!

You can check out the new arrivals online now!

I want some of everything and can't wait to sew with them!

Happy sewing, Julia xx

Guest post: Pattern review by Maria Theoharous AKA Velosewer

Maria is a long time customer and very talented sewer. You can follow her sewing adventures on her blog here. We look forward to sharing her future projects with you all.  

 Winter Street Dress

Pattern review's winter street dress is simple to make and very adaptable.

Pitt Trading graciously provided me with the fabrics and notions for this new work dress.

Pattern testing is fun as you get to see how the pattern designer quickly adjusts their pattern when we provide our feedback. And it's lovely to work with such creative people. This is very motivating to me.

Pitt Trading black tricot lining, elastic, brown ponti and a darker brown soft knit with matching thread 

Pattern description:

Winter street dress is an easy to sew knit dress with a waist seam and narrow pleated skirt. The narrow skirt with inverted box pleats has just the right amount of ease where you need it, resulting in a very comfortable and cute tulip shape.

The bodice is drafted for a "C" cup. There is a choice of elbow length flounce sleeves or a full length sleeve. You can even make it without sleeves. The skirt is designed to fall above the knee for a more trendy look but it is super easy to lengthen or shorten it.

This time I got the hem length right.

Pattern sizing:

XS-$XL I made the medium.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes it did, and there are some pretty variations to make. The hardest part is choosing the variation you want the most, I tried to stick to my plan as I sewed.

Were the instructions easy to follow? 

They were easy to follow. I included a tricot liningon the advice of Sylvia at Pitt Trading. I've been adding linings to ponti dresses since then so the dress keeps it's shape over time. It also helps the fabric to glide over you and not stick to you.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This is a clever pattern that allows you to mix stable and soft knit fabrics.

The pleating on the skirt above the tummy eliminates fullness that gathers create. That's a win in my books. I've extended the pleats down the skirt for a flatter look.

The ruffle sleeve (Deepika's version) makes this a more feminine dress that I'll use for another version.

The scoop neckline isn't what I'd usually wear so I'll be creating different necklines on future versions.

Fabric used:

I've used a ponti knit for the bodice and sleeves. The dress skirt and bindings are a softer knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did a roll shoulder adjustment. The sleeves were sized to full arm length but I tend to push my sleeves up during the day

Once I'd basted the side seams, I took the waist in a bit more and took more in at the centre back seam.

I added shape at the centre back seam, so it's not cut on the fold. This allowed me to shape it to follow my curves better.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes, I experimented with a soft cowl neckline in the softer knit and it was very pretty. So I would recommend this dress if you have knit fabrics in your stash and you need warmer dresses for cooler weather.

I'll also try a v-neck version. This is also a good basic knit dress for beginners to achieve a successful dress.

Viscose knits in store now!

Viscose knits have to be one of the most versatile fabrics. You can make anything from a casual t'shirt to an evening gown. A holiday dress to throw on after the beach or stylish wrap dress to add a bit of flair to your work wear wardrobe.

This gorgeous knit is available online now

http://pitttrading.com.au/collections/just-arrived

Perfect for a wrap dress! Make the sleeve full length and wear with knee high boots for a warm stylish winter look!

Online now!

http://pitttrading.com.au/collections/just-arrived

Happy sewing. Julia xx

New window display.... you like???

This window is a match made in heaven, Sylvia's vision and my execution. Mum said to me "it's great having a vision in your head and saying to someone, make it happen, and it turns out exactly as you wanted" That's how we roll.

People have had a lovely time picking through the treasures in our window. We left it open so you can walk in and have a closer look at all the vintage bits and pieces, and boy are there some Gems there!

This typewriter has been very popular..... $200

Vintage crystals

Ohhhh that gown.... sigh.

From the street

Why not pop down and take a look???

Julia x

What I wore

This dress is an oldie but a goodie.

I think it's the fabric that I like the most, it's a polyester de chine. Light enough to be cool to wear but not see through so no need for lining or a slip.

For me, this dress definitely needs a belt. That said, this style could suit lots of different figure types.

There are lots of options in these project runway patterns, which I really like. It makes them very versatile, enabling you to use them over and over again without appearing to have only one pattern in your repertoire.

I also like the way the fabric meterage is broken down on the back of the pattern envelope. 

Each element, for example, flared sleeve, short sleeve, mid length sleeve, long sleeve is stated as a separate meterage, allowing you to pick and choose from all the different options to create your desired design. 

I'm getting inspired to try the other options in this pattern now.....

Until next time, Happy sewing.

Julia xx 

Sutherland Rotary club vintage fair

Last weekend we packed up our wares and headed to Sutherland entertainment center for a vintage fair organized by the Rotary club of Sutherland. It was a really well organized day out with lots of stalls, home made sandwiches and cakes for lunch, a vintage car display and some great bands to hear. All in all a great day out put on by the club, all in the name of raising much needed funds.

Lots of vintage linens on display

These glasses are to die for! Peacock motif with a different colour on each glass... someone please buy them... it's killing me, they are just too gorgeous!

This biscuit barrel is another favorite! Again... someone buy her and put me out of my misery!

 It was a great day out. Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page to see where we will be next.

Julia xx