I’m not sure what has come over me lately. I have had a very strong urge to sew. To make lots of new clothes. Mr Chardy gave a sewing machine and an overlocker to me for my birthday and Christmas one year – I reckon that would have been way back in 2003. Which is pretty funny because I really don’t know what I am doing when it comes to dress making. It is a bit like blogging I suppose… I just fumble my way through and do it my own way, which more often than not is the very wrong way. I could make basic things like skirts but that was about it. When I was pregnant with my first baby I did make a maternity top and was very proud of myself, but that was it. Now all of these years later I have the urge to sew.
I think what got me started was the fact that it is so hard to find lovely basic cotton clothing – I just wanted some plain white cool summer cotton tops. So I decided to make some. My favourite white top was my Gumnut Designs classic blouse.
If you are looking for gorgeous cool cotton, good quality, clothing then Gumnut Designz is your friend. I know not everyone has a sewing machine or can sew for that matter so head on over and have a look, you won’t be sorry.
I made a gorgeous dress before Christmas and had a lot of people ask me about the pattern etc. So I thought it would be easier just to share it here on the blog…
This dress is just so comfy it isn’t even funny. I could eat as much as I liked on Christmas day without having to suck it all in. So lovely and cool. I purchased a heap of fabric from FABRIC.COM which is in the USA. If you are purchasing any fabric from Fabric.com you must specify a street address for the delivery as it arrives via courier.
The pattern is New Look 6871 and is apparently “easy”. It is actually a pattern for a top, I just added 15cm to the length and the added the band on the bottom which adds another 10cm to the length. It is actually quite easy too, there are no buttons, no zips and not even any darts. The hardest part is the top facing yolk thingy, which isn’t that hard really either. Now when it comes to sizing I would like to believe that New Look/Simplicity patterns are on the small side. I am usually around a size 12 but I cut all of my New Look patterns to a 14, sometimes I have to take them in here and there, but I am generally a 14 in their patterns. Here is the pattern…
You can purchase patterns and anything else from Spotlight. They have loads of patterns. I also found Titleys in Charters Towers very helpful. I just called them and they had patterns, interfacing, lining etc posted out to me faster than I could say “lets sew”! You can phone them on 1800 138 550 – they are really lovely too.
Another reader also asked me what sort of sewing machine I have. Now I am not really qualified to dish out any sort of advice when in comes to sewing machines… but … I have a Janome sewing machine and also a Janome 4 thread overlocker. The sewing machine is just a very basic model that does everything I need it to do (which isn’t much – I have never ever done a button hole – although the machine can – and have never sewed a button on).
I did a bit of sewing while Mum was here, she helped me out a lot, especially with one top I was having trouble with, turns out she does things the “right way” – not the “easy way”… ha ha ha. I’m not sure she was all that into it but she soldiered on.
Anyway, I hope that helps. Feel free to share any photos with us of your latest creations, any tips about where you buy your fabric and patterns, I would love to know. Share away, you can tell us in the comments below or over on Facebook, share your photos, don’t be shy!!!
What have you been sewing lately?
Have you bought some gorgeous Gumnut Designz?
Hi Miss Chardy, Love your posts. I am the Mother of one of the Two Fat Expats.! Your sewing looks terrific, just thought I would let you know about a Company in Melbourne who make the best patterns. Go onto their website and have a look it is called StyleArc. They show you how to measure yourself then you order you pattern in the size you want. The patterns are reasonably priced and work well. I have made a number of their things and I am certainly not what one would call a “good sewer” . Best wishes for 2016. regards Pippa.
Hello there Pippa…. you have no idea how excited I am to hear from the Mum of one of the Two Fat Expats… are you Sarah’s Mum??? So lovely to hear from you!!! Thanks for the tip about the patterns, I will definitely check them out. You are a champ. xx
Yes I am Sarah’s Mother!!! The other thing I forgot to tell you is about pillow cases. If you google pillow cases you will find videos showing you how to make a Burrito Pillow case which is so easyand looks wonderful, I have made them for all the children in our family. xx Pippa.
Hi Pippa… I just checked out the Burrito pillowcases and they look wonderful… will have to give them a go – how easy is that!!! Hope things are well down in the Southern Highlands. 🙂
Your dress is fabulous and your white cotton top is what I think is termed a pillowcase top. When I was a lot younger I used to make all my kids clothes including western style shirts (complete with fringe and stud buttons) when my son sang in a country band. Sewing is such an achievement especially when you finish a beautiful dress like the one you made. Keep it going….
Oh it is such a great feeling to know you made the outfit, a real sense of achievement, you are so right. Those pillowcase tops are so cool and comfy, I love them. I take my hat off to all of those who can make shirts – that might be a bit beyond my capability I think – way too much fiddling around. 🙂
You’re so clever! Love that it matches your theme! xx
Ha ha ha ha, too funny, I only just noticed that my theme matched the dress, cracked me up…
Wow!!! You are soooo talented! I love both the dress and the top. I am sorry to say that even though I own a sewing machine, I really am terrible at sewing. I tried piecing together a quilt top and it wasn’t too bad but my machine has been in the basement, untouched, for years. You go girl! Haven’t commented in a while, so I wish you a terrific, exciting 2016!
Hello there Heidi, so great to hear from you, Happy New Year! Now, that white Top is a Gumnut Designz top, not one of my creations, I can’t take credit for it. I reckon if I can sew anyone can, surely! Go get that machine out of the basement quick smart.
Very cute dress, and perfect for a hot Christmas. I had a lady stop me in the street yesterday and ask about my skirt, and I could smugly tell her that “I made it myself”. We then had a fabulous conversation about sewing and fabric. Sewing is the best hobby.
Hi Judy, it is just a great feeling knowing you made it yourself isn’t it. And you can made the clothes just the way you want them, in the fabrics you want and know that no one else will have the same. Sewing…. hmmmm I always think, I will just cut it out and do a bit each day.. then 5 hours later I have finished the piece…. it is addictive.
Love your dress! I love to sew too but haven’t done much except patching and alterations of late. Did make some of those fabric balls with balloons in them for some little people on our Christmas list though. You have inspired me to make something to wear now. I have two Gumnut shirts now and am absolutely in love with them! The fabric is beautiful quality and they are so well made, longer just for me too. Nicest shirts I’ve ever owned! Happy sewing, great post!
Hi Kristy, get sewing – so good to make your own stuff isn’t it. I am so happy to hear how much you love your Gumnut shirts – how wonderful, they are just gorgeous aren’t they – I will be sure to let Sally (Mrs Gumnut) know how much you love them. 🙂
Wow you do have some secret talents my friend! Clever clogs xx
Ha ha ha, not really – probably shouldn’t look too closely at the clothes I make, ha ha ha ha.
Sewing is such a useful skill really, even if only simple stuff. I go through stages where I get the sewing bug and ones where the sewing machine just collects dust. I have a couple of quilts I need to finish at the moment. I made my neice some pillow case style dresses for summer last year, the good thing is that as she grows they can become tops for her to wear. I also did a couple of matching ones for her doll. I think I should make a few more for her and her little sister. You’ve got me all inspired.
Lets get sewing… I know what you mean about going through stages… it is so true, you just have to wait for inspiration to hit and then you can’t stop. It is the same for me with jewellery making.
Love your dress, so many possible colour combinations! Yours is much nicer than the pattern. Makes me think about getting my machine out of the cupboard ! Maybe….
Made myself a western shirt when I was young, I loved it ! What was I thinking, I’m a city girl!
Thanks for the tip of the KMart sheets, who’d have thought? They are a winner I love them.
Love your work x
Hi Michele – go on, dust the machine off and whip something up. I just love that dress, it is so comfy, will be making more of them plus some tops using that pattern. Too funny about the western shirt – bet you loved yourself sick in that baby. As for the K-Mart sheets, I am seriously still in love with my whole bed/quilt/cushion ensemble. The sheets are just so gorgeous aren’t they – so comfy, who’d have thought that you could get something like that from K-Mart, I am still so impressed. Sheet washing day today here so I will have lovely fresh sheets tonight! 🙂
You can buy patterns on the Etsy website, they either email you a file or give you immediate access to download it. No waiting for things to arrive in the post!
Oh wow, thanks for that…. how do you print it?? I am a little confused… am I dumb?
Depending on the size I think you might have to sticky tape multiple A4 pages together. I’ve only bought small things like bib and hat patterns.
Oh right, thanks for that and thanks for letting me know about these patterns! I will have to check them out. 🙂
That’s funny! I’ve had the sewing urge too. Helped by the fact that Spotlight had 3 patterns for $10. I bought 6 and saved 490 – so I went back the next day and bought 6 more. Figured that even if they weren’t right, it was still cheaper than the individual patterns. Also bought up stacks of fabric and spent the last few nights watching Nashville (I think we’d get along) cutting out the paper patterns – because that is the worst bit.
On sizing, I think most patterns run small (I’m a curvy size 10-14) so I always cut much larger because it’s easier to take it in.
Your dress has reminded me of some vintage cotton I have that would be perfect for that style. Thanks for the inspiration
Hi Angie…. oh I am so bummed I missed that sale – 3 patterns for 10 bucks – what a steal!!!! Let me know next time they have a sale like that. The patterns are nearly the most expensive part of the outfit. Well done with your pattern stock up, that is so impressive. Oh and go Nashville….we are having withdrawals. I have moved onto Hart of Dixie while i do my treadmill but it isn’t nearly as good as Nashville. Anyway, glad I could provide some inspiration.
Well done; the dress looks fabulous! Here, here to comfy clothing on any day when you know you are going to eat too much 🙂 I haven’t done much sewing lately either, working full-time and studying will do that to a gal BUT I do hope to get a few projects finished this year; including add more oomph to my homemade petticoats for under my 1950’s skirts and dresses, a skirt or three and maybe even something more complicated!
Oh I like the sound of the 1950’s skirts and dresses!!! Esp with a good petticoat underneath!! I have enjoyed things being nice and quiet here the past little while, has given me a chance to breath…and sew! I don’t think much sewing will get done once the year is in full swing so I am taking advantage. Working full time and studying would leave no time for sewing. 🙂