Feeling stupid, not wise

Posted on 16 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

So remember I’ve started to knit a cardigan? My very first garment made from warm string? The fabulous Wisdom by Kim Hargreaves?

Well, it had to take a break with Christmas knitting but I picked it back up again last week. I noticed that in the double moss stitch I’d accidentally knit a quadruple moss stitch, just once. In the middle of the back. Surely I could get away with it – didn’t show afterall did it?  However, I got to a new stage of the pattern and just couldn’t get it. ” these last 38 rows form pattern and cont side shaping” plus all that went on before and after.   What is it about knitting patterns?  I feel I need to put them through Babelfish.  It’s a new language, with strange grammar.

Luckily I was visiting my mum and could ask her to interpret. She did. She also persuaded me that the quadruple moss stitch would show, that I would always know it was there and that with such lovely yarn it would be a shame. It had to come out. I need to say here that my mum is a super kind teacher. All those decades ago, as a very willing child, she taught me to sew.  This meant that until I became confident and proficient in sewing she would unpick all my mistakes for me, taking away the disheartening aspects of learning something new. She would wield the seam ripper as an expert, not only reducing mistakes to nothing, but obviously without shredding the fabric which is surely what I would have done had it been left to my junior ministrations. She’d then set it up so it was all ready for me to try again. She sure knew how to help a learner.

So, knitting. I think you know what’s coming. My 6 rows following the quadruple moss stitch had to come out and my dear mum did it for her 40 something daughter. And then, having ripped it, picked it up, she also knitted it to get it back for me to start knitting again. She is such a sweetie. Thanks mum!20120116-210124.jpg

And then I took it with me on the train & knit the next 10 rows.  I was rocking, until I came to the next bit of the pattern.  No comprendo.  I hit the brakes & visited my wool shop yesterday lunchtime.  And guess what I found out?  (anyone who is knitting this spectacular cardigan has probably worked it out already).  Uh huh.  Yep.  This pattern is actually made of bands of stocking stitch and double moss stitch.  (Which I failed to remember working from a black & white photo copy of the instructions).  I have only one band of stocking stitch.  I had a revelation, although not a good one: that was what “These last 38 rows form pattern” meant.  Argh.  ”Pattern” being a stocking stitch band followed by a double moss stitch band.  I have to rip out 38 rows of my knitting.  All on my own.  No Mum to help me.

Lesson learnt – a full size colour picture can really help with interpretation of this strange language.

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Very lucky Clover trousers of a paranoid pudding eater

Posted on 15 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

After months giving the appearance I was all signed up for the Colette Patterns Clover Sewalong, I finally got my now 3%-lycra-mix snuggly covered butt into gear to explore the feasibility of Clover pants & Scruffy Badger’s potentially quirky waist down.

There has been much emphasis on making a muslin for these trousers, so that’s partially what stopped me.  I had my fabric (£4/ m from Birmingham Rag Market) but nothing more expendable.  All the wonderful fitting fixes prepared by the sewalong also convinced me that I was going to have to get heavily involved in “issues”, therefore I wanted some cheaper fabric to mess up.  Hard to find.  I thought I was really clever dismembering an old pair of trousers to harvest their fabric that had lost its colour, but still had an element of stretch.  When finally coming to position pattern piece on the separated pieces of fabric I was scuppered  simply by there not being enough there.  (Despite appearances, Clover pants, although slimline amazingly still require ample fabric for one’s butt.  Get that!  There was I thinking that slimline meant “smaller-on-me” & therefore, the low rise wide legged trousers that I took apart would surely suffice.  But no.  Remember these babies go up to one’s waist & fit nice & snugly around one’s rear.  That does not mean that they utilise any less fabric, or enable one to shed any inches in that area.  Sadly. Shame I didn’t engage my brain on this before the unpicking.)  Therefore, with no other choice I opted to make what I hoped would become a “wearable muslin” out of the grey.

Strangely enough, however I cut it out, by complete chance, sort of merging between two sizes, and it seemed to just about work out.  I took photos at the first trying on stage.

First try on- last time you see this view of me- only in the name of science

First try on

There was some runkles at the back hips, suggesting that I needed to allow a little more at the hip seams.  But try as I might, I could not for the life of me see any “smiling crotch” or, even worse a “frowning crotch”.  (Heaven forbid!!  The very idea fills me with dread…. Nothing untoward down there, let me assure you!)  Eeeking out a 1/4″ at both sides I came to try on again.   Now, I might be blind, there might be some other area that could do with better fitting, but I could not see it therefore it did not take much convincing to continue with the making.

I adored the style with cute little waist pockets & used some leftovers from my pussybow galore blouse.  The only deviation I made from the pattern was to sew a lapped zip, as I did not have an invisible zip.

The final try on to set the length was puzzling.  I wanted to most definitely avoid the Miss Ellie look.  Shoes?  I know I NEED a pair of brogues.  But will remain prudent.  I found two pairs to mess around with lengths.  Just above the ankle?  Does that work out OK?  I am not sure if I need to make them narrower though ….is that better Miss Ellie avoidance?

The first time I wore them I felt in heaven.  Give me fabric with lycra in any day.  Oh my word!  But am I getting old before my time?  Will the curse of Miss Ellie style never leave me?  Am I destined to bulldoze my way through the throngs of more deserving grandmas for the navy slacks to be found alongside lilac acrylic turtle necks in British Home Stores?

And here continues my doubts about this particular trouser shape on me.  Now I am carrying a bit of extra load following the festive season, which is bound to fall off once I start running again (huh! in my dreams!) I tried to funk them up.

(Apologies about the photo -taken in daylight, but inside- can’t wait for more light …)

The first time I wore them I went a bit “Audrey” daring to wear a neck scarf to the office.   Engaging my inner doubt was the fact that no one, yes no one, commented on me wearing something pretty unusual.  (Should I have mentioned that I also wore leopard fur loafers & stripey socks?) Paranoia is not an attractive trait.

Not to let negative thoughts prevail, I shall make one more pair.  I am planning to make them in navy velvet needlecord, but silly me, I did not buy enough fabric.  Don’t ask me how.  I can be so stupid sometimes, as well as paranoid.

But hooked it seems I am on trying more fabrics with some S-t-r-e-t-c-h.  Like these three from Croftmill.

Navy velvet needlecord

Light weight denim

Floral Bedford cord

There will be at least one more pair of clovers, maybe some 3/4 length for the spring as well.  The floral bedford cord has a slight stretch to it as well, & I thought it could make a cute Pastille.

And no, I hear you hollering, but you cannot see more pictures of my finished butt.  There are limits to the number of times I refer to my backside, let alone inflicting it on you, me, anyone, in its technicolour non glory.  Even in the pursuit of science. Take it from me that the runkles are no longer there.  You are not seeing my ar**e in lycra again.

So what have your experiences been wearing lycra mix garments?  Does it make you feel fancy free, or does it pile on your psychological years?  How has your Clover experience gone?  Do share … no butt pics required…..

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New Look 6000 Frock Fest: part 2

Posted on 12 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

Since the last post we have had a few recent entrants to New Look 6000 Frock Fest, & they are SO worth sharing.  I will add them to the original post once this is published so that anyone who wants to see them all together can appreciate everyone’s different use of fabric & unique interpretation.  But without further ado ….

Here is Rehanon from MissDemeanor with her “Bet Lynch eat your heart out leopard print dress“.  Now prepare yourself for some glamorous housework  & a rather special hairdo….

Don’t you just love the contrast cuffs & collar – nice touch!  But it’s the matching sweeping brush that shows true accessorizing!  I think the fabric choice is brilliant for this style too, don’t you?    But just to whet your whistle & to show how such a sassy lady –  rewards herself after seasonal domesticity….

Rehanon has created a little photo story in her post, I’d go & check it out, it’s sure to tickle your fancy & give you a better view of that awesome phone!

Next up we’ve Chris who blogs at Sycamore Stitches.  She has made this frock in raw silk (SWOON!).

Now what I love about Chris’s version (apart from the special fabric) is how elegant it looks with the cuffs & plain neckline.  It is yet another flattering super fit – as are they all.   Chris has written about it on her blog here and says that it felt super glam to wear – plus it has come out of its first wash unscathed.

Here is another photo of the cuff (I must admit to having cuff weakness with this style!  I love the way they’re pointy! & a fabulous showcase for a statement button)

Now last for this installment, but by no means least comes “The Holloway” from Joanne at StitchandWitter.   I am so excited – it’s the same pattern, but another swanky sexy look (hence the moniker), using winter weight fabric no less – some lovely tweedy wool.    Joanne’s opted for the side gathered view, & boy do I want to give that a go myself now ….

 Remember, before you think that this is all debauchery (daylight drinking- indeed?!) – these frocks have been made with Christmas & holidays in mind, & bless her,” Joannie” is just living the highlife ….with a dress like that a gal can have cocktails whenever she wants! But what’s going on here?  More chores?

Groovy “tickling stick” though!  Anyways, back to THE DRESS.  Can you see that Joanne’s used teal coloured fabric covered buttons – what a pretty touch.  I do really like this version, & it is once again a dress that is hyper flattering.   I’m going to let Joanne, I mean Joannie take it on from here…

Joanne says,

 I really really wanted to add a lining to this dress but when it came to the crunch I was just a little too scared by the prospect, having not lined a dress before. I’ll revisit once I have more skills under my belt. It’s a little scratchy but what’s that when it comes to glamour?! I’ve gone for the ‘Joanie at home’ look with these pics.
Likeability: 9/10 – i love this dress but want to make it again with a lining. The buttons are covered with teal corduroy – I toyed with brown vintage buttons but I loved the pop of colour these gave the tweedy fabric.
Unsolicited comments: Haven’t worn it out yet but when I showed a pic of the dress in progress to my pub landlady she asked how much did I charge for making dresses for people! Now that’s a first for me!

More about her trials and so many more of her tribulations (particularly an amazing pose which in itself is an amazing test of courage, on her blog here.

Every time I see more iterations of this wonderful pattern I fall in love all over again.  It really is a classy number.  Ladies, I salute you for bringing more joy into the world

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In which my behind masquerades as a big, bright and bold floral number

Posted on 10 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

Howdy peeps!  I wonder if you’d like some colour in amongst the winter grey?  Not to disappoint I’ve something SO bright you might need shades.  Classified as a 2011 make, I give you the bright bold floral full skirt …

Well, it’s had a bit of a colour boost, you know, just cos I can!  This is what it’s like untampered with.

 Still lovely & bright, yes? So, the backstory.  I fell in love with the idea of this fabric, from MisForMake.  It’s an Anna Marie Horner from the Loulouthi range.  I only bought 1.5m because I thought I’d easily be able to make a skirt out of that.  But when it arrived I could envisage it as a perfect dress too.  Or a Ginger skirt.  Maybe I should have bought more?  I could also have bought more to make it into a circle skirt (full or half).  Guess what – I paralysed myself with indecision.  Until.  Until I’d got so virtuous in sewing & knitting so many Christmas gifts that I just had to make something new for me.  Just had to.

[Slight digression - this picture SO reminds me of Monica's uniform when she worked at the Diner... know what I'm saying?  ]

Source

Anyway, whilst I’d considered making this into a Ginger, which I knew would be lovely, I wanted something just a little more full.  So very unscientifically, I ripped across the width to create what would be required for a waistband, then halved the length of what was left & rrrrrripped across that too.  I kind of fudged (who me?!!?) the side seams – I added a side seam zip then set the pleats before finalising the other side seam.  This allowed me less thought in working out exactly what size my pleats should be to generate the correct waist size, because I don’t know about you, but it never works out as planned.   This way, I could just take a slightly larger final side seam to catch any left over width.

By the way I decided on pleats because they are just a bit more forgiving than gathers I find, if you’re like me with curves & don’t want a balloon effect around your middle.  Even so, I do have that feeling that I am wearing something that leaves everyone guessing – “is that huge floral number filled with a full bodied woman or is it just lots of loud fabric?”

But guess what?  I don’t care.  I have worn this skirt lots already.  Sometimes I wear it with clashing colours to the max, other times with more subdued navy & purple.  It certainly brightens the day.

These photos were taken this last weekend by the sea in Penzance.  That was such a still grey day too …. until I came along!   Behind you can see St Michael’s Mount in the bay.

Oh we had some fun in Cornwall, but more of some of that another time….tell you what though, my craftingness was not disappointed :-)

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December makes: the sequel

Posted on 4 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

I know I’ve been less of a voracious blogger during November & December – here’s why.  During the months of November & December I was feverishly busy making gifts (excuse sloppy photos- they were taken hastily before a mass wrapping session) :

  • 1 hooded cape
  • 1 crocheted snood (with a twist).  This comes from Carly’s fab snood pattern, only I made a fundamental mistake on round 2- when I came to the end of the round I think my end of row join included some serious twisting which I didn’t notice straight away….. but it’s OK, it snuggles a bit more closely!  My friend loves it which is the main thing  (she doesn’t know it wasn’t deliberate!)

Twisted Snood

Twisted snood

Scarflette

Fab big loop scarf

Loop scarf with Moomin flower

 

 

 

  • 2 Martha Stewart scarflets
  • 3 knitted looped scarfs (using “Patons Fab Big” & the pattern on the label!)
  • 4 fur collars using this pattern from Colette patterns via Mollie Makes

Faux fur collar (why didn't I make one for me? ....)

  • 3 pairs of boxer shorts
  • 1 Negroni shirt (I will review later)
  • 1 “waterfall” cardi/ wrap
  • 2 pairs of PJ trousers.

Phew!  As a result of all that making I needed a break & could only lie on the sofa, craft battery recharged by my Colette Sewing Handbook & Liberty Home Sewing Book (yes, Father Christmas smiled on me this year!).  All of a sudden I was overwhelmed by sewing options – there were so many I was paralysed.  To overcome this debilitation I cut out 3 things then sewed them all at once (no, I didn’t end up with a pair of trousers with a skirted kindle cover pocket  !)

I now have a pair of Clover trousers, plus the most adorable floral skirt (Anna Marie Horner fabric) that leaves unanswered the question: has she a big bum or is it the fabric?  Both of these items scraped in as the last makes of 2011 that will get photoed & discussed soon as.   My super new lucky me Kindle* also has a papoose.  I was getting quite anxious not having sewed anything selfishly for a while, but rest assured feel a lot better now.

Looking back at these woolly things, I really enjoyed making them, but feel I need to progress into cables or thumbs….. any ideas for some easy progression patterns?  I feel a look at Ravelry is a good starting point.  And after so many fabulous online yarn shopping suggestions I feel (but do not fear) onset of Imminent Yarn Stash fever (it appears to be contagious!).

*I am a super lucky Badger/ Mum/ girlfriend

 

 

 

 

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A new year, a pledge and some intentions

Posted on 2 January, 2012 by scruffybadgertime

Happy New Year everyone!

I have taken a semi enforced digital detox with some serious energy recharging needed (but over this holiday season it seems as if it has been subject to near constant depletion with all the fun, present making & hosting etc!).  Technologically it is also not worth battling against very temperamental broadband access when there are two extra laptops jostling for bandwidth, but how interested can anyone be in that?  Moving on then ….

So I am newly full of vim, looking forward to catching up with everyone else’s new year’s plans, and will catch up on visiting your wonderful blogs.

Of my own resolutions for 2012?  Well, I had decided not to make any, accepting for once that I am weak & have high boredom thresholds/ rebel against too much structure.   But then I thought back, and in doing so I have become a little more motivated to keep a couple of intentions going, & then just set up a couple of new ones.

SB’s handmade wardrobe

  • But here’s THE BIG INTERESTING ONE.  Last year I planned not to buy any ready to wear (except sports clothes & shoes/ undies).  And amazingly I achieved this particular resolution.  I am stunned.  To develop my handmade wardrobe ( most pictures here) I made:
  • 10 dresses
  • 10 tops/ blouses
  • 4 skirts
  • 6 pairs shorts/ capris/ culottes/ trousers
  • 1 cardigan
  • 1 jacket
  • 7 pairs of knickers (not all now in use!)

Oh me oh my!  That is 36 things for me!  There are 3 things missing in pictures that I will update soon as I can.  I will keep this going, and update my projects in the pipeline page as my ideas develop.  And I will make a coat.  And more jackets. I will.  I suppose out of the 36, here are the most eliciting comments in the real world – my Vintage Vogue jacket & much worn-to-parties-this-Christmas-and-new-year-Rooibos.

I will take the seamless pledge also, (I will not buy any ready to wear with the exception of running / sports wear,  or second hand for the duration of this year and will renew it each year.)

This poses the biggest problem for my real wardrobe gap, as with many other keen sewists is in the knitwear department.  I am knitting (slowly) a cardigan - Kim Hargreaves Wisdom.  So onto knitting ….I shall have to knit more, or make jersey cardigans in 2012….can anyone share any great UK online yarn stores?

Another thing I’d like to do more of this year is jewellery making, having totally failed to make very much at all last year.  I will try to make a quirky or vintage inspired piece a month.  So there we are, some intentions for  sewing, jewellery making and knitting.

Blogging

I do enjoy blogging & am super inspired by all of you lovely people out there too.  Thank you for the blogs you create, the makes you share with us & for visiting here & leaving comments.  This year I shall try to get better at putting more effort into blogging: pictures, ideas, whatever….

Making for others

The boring bit!  I need to make an advanced intention about Christmas next year.  I seem to go crazy making for others in six weeks of the year but should spread it out!  Therefore I shall try to make more for others across the whole year.  Related to this, ie non-selfish sewing, I should also try once again try to sort my home furnishings out.  Nothing happened last year to the saggy lounge curtains or the broken bedroom blinds.   Or to the cushions in the lounge.  Tsk Tsk.  I had a Christmas present though that has some lovely ideas that should encourage me.

Running

  • And I need to include something on running …
  • Last year I ran 3 half marathons (slowly!)  and ran 550 miles.  Wow.  That was worth looking at as here I am going through another dip in motivation caused by being ill (my most arch enemy that knocks my running mojo with longer lasting impact than the illness itself – I have no strategy to combat this one).  Hopefully my returned vim includes running….I have another half marathon in March.  It would be so great if it was  at least a teeny weeny bit faster than last years….

So that’s it for now.  Onto a fun filled 2012 we hope!  I will enjoy catching up with everyone else’s plans for the year ahead.  May we make it brilliant & dazzling !

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Handmade gifts, Episode IV, A New Cape

Posted on 24 December, 2011 by scruffybadgertime

Once upon a time I used to sew only for myself, but since November it seems I’ve been fully engaged in sewing/ knitting gifts for Christmas (apart of course from my Pan Am dalliance with New Look 6000).  This week I’ve been on holiday, but right up to Christmas Eve I’m still finishing things off.  Must start earlier next year. Or do less.

So at last I can start showing & this post will be devoted to a gift I made a friend who is most definitely not a Star Wars nerd, but you’ll see why I chose to have some fun with it ….and how it links to Karen’s (Didyoumakethat) Man Craft post a few weeks ago….

  I saw a hooded cape on Crafty Christmas Club last year, a gorgeous blogger posted something heavenly made out of Boucle.  She was swirling, it had a hood, she clearly had “the Force”.  But I haven’t.  Try as I might, I could not find the post, nor any other replication of the type of simple hooded scarf I’d seen.  Was it a vision that visited me via a droid?

Source

I therefore had to use my loaf & summon all my Jedi sewing skills.  It was to be lined in sari fabric & made out of some teal wool with bobble trim.    I’d make the scarf out of a length 1.3m long, cut in half lengthwise.   The hood would be made by sewing the two short ends together, & then another seam at right angles to this equivalent to a head height plus some.  There would also be pockets at arms length, sewn to the scarf once I’d assembled the hood.  I’d make the lining & scarf separately, sewing together right sides together once the scarf was one piece.  The finishing touch was a tassle on the hood sewn through all layers that also served the purpose of attaching the lining to the hood.  (See diagram below if you want to have a go at this).

Here follows a few different views …a bit of twirling….& something sinister …

Now you see me ….

Now you don’t …

 

It seems to have evil properties …

Too many similarities with this chap for my liking.  But why can’t I be Obi Wan?  I want to be good, not bad!

Palpatine

Source

Although as part of Gary’s education of me & my boys in 70s gentle (& at times unintentionally comedic)  post apocalyptic films there is also a striking resemblance to Matthias from Omega Man, don’t you think?

Source

So to explain, this is the clay head that I boasted about on Karen’s post on Man craft.  Made carefully by Gary using the touch of his own head to capture bone structure curves & skull shapes (he’s so handsome isn’t he?!).  It has holes for the eye sockets & the mouth, originally intended to stick candles in.  (It rests with the face facing upwards).  It now has glitter eyelashes (false of course).    The best bit?  Until its recent adoption of the cape, I have images of Gary sporting it, his own head hidden inside his shirt collar, with this (small) head on his shoulders as he danced around to Kraftwerk (Autobahn) in the front room.  The best bit?  He’s still got it on video!!    When I can work out how to upload it, I’ll delight you with it, but we’re getting an error message so it will have to wait.  What a star !

Anyway, back to the cape – if you want to make one yourself I’ve tried to create a kind of map below.  Let me know how you get on?

But until then, I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas – you deserve it!   

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New Look 6000 “Frock Fest”

Posted on 19 December, 2011 by scruffybadgertime

It’s time to bring out the fanfare, raise your glasses & toast the mighty sewists who have dared to share & picked up the crazy red gauntlet with white fur trim to join me in sewing up a gorgeous winter frock despite the madness that can be preparations for Christmas.   Phew, that was a mouthful.  Today I have the frocks of three  now six other sewists to show you.

What’s more  we have a blog button (thank you Gary for taking the time to help me!).   If I can get it to work, it should link to this post, thereby showcasing everyone’s fabulous frocks…

If you haven’t quite finished, don’t worry, I can keep adding to this post & doing another round up when you send me your images – a veritable catwalk show of New Look 6000.

Grab the code here:

<a href=”http://scruffybadgertime.co.uk/2011/12/new-look-6000-frock-fest-2″><img src=” http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i374/Scruffybadgerti/frockfest1-1.jpg “></a>

As a small recap, this venture started merely as a cry for help, so overwhelmed was I about which of my few winter dress patterns I should make.  There was more than a little fervour created by one of the options, New Look 6000.  Indeed some of you recommended it being proud wearers of said frock, whilst others proclaimed that they were also going to make it themselves (at least two of you had it lurking as ready cut-out).  And the idea was born.  I thought it would be interesting to showcase this pattern in its various interpretations, & share support along the way if need be.

So I’ll be brazen & start off with  my “Pan Am inspired” frock.  Here is a  poor light shot.  Remember I did not have enough to make the side gathered version, preferring to allow enough for the awesome collar & cuffs.

You can see more pictures here and here.  I also wrote about how I undertook the underlining - not perfect & I’m sure not totally professional, but it does have a lovely finish inside as well as out.

Likeometer: I’d give this a 9/10, reserving the other 1/10 for a different fabric that a certain someone else used whose name begins with J & who likes to make things …. but more of that below.   I like the style though.

Unsolicited compliments: well I’m afraid I have only worn this in the house (not I assure you to do the hoovering & taking the bins out).  Its first real outing was cancelled.  So the only compliments I got were from the men in my life, & due to the fact that the first time they saw me in it I was also wearing this wig & all that eyeliner, also resulted in quite a fair few belly laughs.

Tabatha Tweedie at ThreadCarefully was quick off the blocks, delivering the most stylish grey polka dot number- like me without the side gathers.  There’s a wonderful simplicity in this version, as it’s all about the style and the fabric.  There’s no collar to distract from the simple lines.

But the cuffs – to die for- & with heirloom buttons!

I am seriously in love with the fabric.  She’s written about it here, go have a look at some other pictures & her experience of it.

Likeability: she says that it was a great day dress, comfortable to wear & I think you’ll agree, extremely flattering.   She has seen Jane’s (next up) & is, like me, tempted to try “the” different type of fabric.

Unsolicited compliments: “my husband doesn’t think that the clinginess is a bad thing!” & I’m sure there were lots of other compliments….

So, next up was Jane at Handmade Jane, also opting for the version with no side gathers.  Jane chose a doubleknit having me (if not others) cursing at her cleverness in this as no zips nor facings were needed.  Genius!  Read more on her post here.  I am really taken with the colour – so festive, so Jane!  It looks so sophisticated but not at the expense of comfort!  I am liking this concept!

Likeometer: Jane’s rating is 10/10- cracking!

Unsolicited compliments: Jane also said she received LOADS of unsolicited compliments when she wore it out.   ”On its one and only outing I got LOTS of compliments and dropped jaws. I hadn’t told anybody I was making my own dress for the party so when I answered the usual “Ooh, nice dress, where’s it from?” with a casual, “I made it” they were the best and most priceless responses!”.  How lovely to be appreciated!

Finally I feel the need also to draw your attention to the button-cuff detail here – double self buttons – lovely finishing touch.

In hot pursuit we have Kerry from Kestrel Finds and Makes.  She made her fab frock out of thrifted wool houndstooth, lining it too.

I am overjoyed to see that she’s taken the side gathers to ripple amongst the geometry of the fabric.  Doesn’t it look effective?  And toasty!  I also like how Kerry’s treated the collar with the big button – she’s left it more open & the whole look is very retro & super elegant.

Now Kerry writes in this post about her dress, & appears to be very happy with this dress, lining it also so that is a comfy winter make that is nice slip on.  She too is contemplating another version, which to me is a firm commendation.

Unsolicited compliments: “I wore it out last night to my work Christmas Meal, and received some very nice compliments.”  I think it’s a brilliant fabric choice & is also really flattering.

Here is Rehanon from MissDemeanor with her “Bet Lynch eat your heart out leopard print dress“.  Now prepare yourself for some glamorous housework  & a rather special hairdo….

Don’t you just love the contrast cuffs & collar – nice touch!  But it’s the matching sweeping brush that shows true accessorizing!  I think the fabric choice is brilliant for this style too, don’t you?    But just to whet your whistle & to show how such a sassy lady –  rewards herself after seasonal domesticity….

Next up we’ve Chris who blogs at Sycamore Stitches.  She has made this frock in raw silk (SWOON!).

 

Now what I love about Chris’s version (apart from the special fabric) is how elegant it looks with the cuffs & plain neckline.  It is yet another flattering super fit – as are they all.   Chris has written about it on her blog here and says that it felt super glam to wear – plus it has come out of its first wash unscathed.

Here is another photo of the cuff (I must admit to having cuff weakness with this style!  I love the way they’re pointy! & a fabulous showcase for a statement button)

Next here comes “The Holloway” from Joanne at StitchandWitter.   I am so excited – it’s the same pattern, but another swanky sexy look (hence the moniker), using winter weight fabric no less – some lovely tweedy wool.    Joanne’s opted for the side gathered view, & boy do I want to give that a go myself now ….

Remember, before you think that this is all debauchery (daylight drinking- indeed?!) – these frocks have been made with Christmas & holidays in mind, & bless her,” Joannie” is just living the highlife ….with a dress like that a gal can have cocktails whenever she wants! But what’s going on here?  More chores?

 

Groovy “tickling stick” though!  Anyways, back to THE DRESS.  Can you see that Joanne’s used teal coloured fabric covered buttons – what a pretty touch.  I do really like this version, & it is once again a dress that is hyper flattering.   I’m going to let Joanne, I mean Joannie take it on from here…

Joanne says,

 I really really wanted to add a lining to this dress but when it came to the crunch I was just a little too scared by the prospect, having not lined a dress before. I’ll revisit once I have more skills under my belt. It’s a little scratchy but what’s that when it comes to glamour?! I’ve gone for the ‘Joanie at home’ look with these pics.
Likeability: 9/10 – i love this dress but want to make it again with a lining. The buttons are covered with teal corduroy – I toyed with brown vintage buttons but I loved the pop of colour these gave the tweedy fabric.
Unsolicited comments: Haven’t worn it out yet but when I showed a pic of the dress in progress to my pub landlady she asked how much did I charge for making dresses for people! Now that’s a first for me!

More about her trials and so many more of her tribulations (particularly an amazing pose which in itself is an amazing test of courage, on her blog here.

Every time I see more iterations of this wonderful pattern I fall in love all over again.  It really is a classy number.  Ladies, I salute you for bringing more joy into the world.    I am so impressed by your beautiful creations – I think this is proving to be a very flattering & stylish dress.  I am really interested to see not only the difference in fabric, but the nuances caused by those side gathers ….

As above, anyone not yet finished, please send me your pics & I can do an update post later on.  Keep going, I hope you see it is worth finishing!!

In case anyone is making this dress & would like some fitting advice, Allison at a Fabricfixation has posted about her experiences, really useful pictures & always impresses me at how much time & effort she puts into getting the fit right (& she does).  She has also left advice on previous posts on my blog, so worth checking out if you are making this dress!

Beforelong I expect to add her creation to this show – I’m keeping places warm for a few of you who I know are busy beavering away on your own version.  xxx

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New Look 6000: in technicolour

Posted on 19 December, 2011 by scruffybadgertime

Just a few more photos of “the dress” , ie New Look 6000, in daylight, & before I launch the “gallery” proper later today.  (And blog button, woo hoo!! watch this space).  Let’s get my silliness out of the way shall we?    You can see that I had the benefits of my crazeee photographer.  Apparently he is just so creative, that even in 5 minutes shooting snaps of some bint looking a bit mad, he needs to push the boundaries …..I blame him.   Totally.  For the more bizarre ones that is.  Starting relatively somberly & sensibly …

Yes it is a wig!  I can’t believe how polite everyone was last time!

Anyway, lengthwise I wanted this to hit the knee, being more of a demure dress.

Here are the cuffs – darling aren’t they?  I sewed the button (plastic homage to marcasite!) through all thicknesses of the cuff, although as you’ll see in the gallery post, or already on her website, Jane sewed 2 buttons, one each side & they look super cute.

The good news?  I’m still sitting in the frock now, very badly postured with laptop on knee & the ease in the upper back seems to be OK.  (I was concerned about it).  No too sure I like what is happening to the hem though.  If only I’d not seen that, I’d be so much happier!  I think it’s where the hem to underlining is pulling a bit.  A whack of the iron & I’ll see if that’ll fix it.

Onto some self indulgent silliness now.

To explain this shot- whilst it shows the collar a little, photographer was in the “air stewardess” zone & asked for a “the plane’s going to crash!” pose.  Hmm. Fat lot of use I’d be in a crisis!  But the collar – another interesting thing about this pattern, it’s not interfaced – but being cut on the bias that’ll be why.

And which zone you ask are we in here?  The tropics perhaps?  Well the cat’s thinking otherwise … I’m sure it was the “Twilight Zone” …..

(And yes, I have tortured him with a “Scooby Doo cover for the sofa he is so intent on covering with fur, twigs, more fur and matted chunks of fur).

So anyone wanting to send me photos or links for the big round up post later, please do.  Im at

scruffybadgertime(at)gmail(dot)com

Look forward to hearing from you :-)

Smallprint:

By the way, New Look 6000 “Frock Fest” has absolutely no requirement to be silly or immature in any way.  All participants can take part, knowing that their credibility & creativity remains intact & any photos shared will be to the glorification of the wonder of the pattern and the skill of the participants.  Scruffy Badger is merely the happy hostess.

 

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New Look 6000, Pan Am inspired

Posted on 14 December, 2011 by scruffybadgertime

You know the sweet French stewardess from Pan Am?

Source

What do you think ?

Yes, here come some teaser shots of the finished New Look 6000.  Apologies they are in poor indoor evening light & I will try to get some better ones in daylight at the weekend.  So you know I was going to debut this dress at our team’s Christmas drinkie-poos?  Well, unfortunately I was ill, & clearly SO essential was I, that it was cancelled when I couldn’t make it.  (I think I’d built their expectation levels to a frenzy over this dress, & they couldn’t cope with the disappointment of not seeing it)*.  What that means is that this dress has not been road tested: this evening’s wear for photos was its first real try on.  Have I left enough ease in it I wonder?  What’ll it be like sitting down (after all the planning to manage the strain over my not slimline rump)?  The answers to that question remain to be seen.

I do REALLY like this dress.  I have written about some of its construction here, the joys of underlining & my personal variations.  I am not totally sure if I have go the fit completely right (although in the photo above I am twisting slightly which is perhaps the cause of the creases above the waistline).  Styling wise, I want to make more of these!  Jane has made a glorious version in doubleknit without a zip.  How wonderful would that be?  Not only is it a lovely dress to make, I can see it being made out of lots of different kinds of fabric (Oh, funny that, how amazing would it be to see everyone’s makes in  ”New Look 6000 Fest” ?

I can’t wait!  I am so excited at seeing other people’s frocks!!

Ha ha ha some more – still haven’t made a groovy blog button …. in design though – I’ll try to have something finished over the weekend.  Anyway, plan is to start the grand reveal from the 19th December when anyone who’s joined this party & is ready to show & shine.

Please leave me a link to your blog post or email me your pictures & anything you’d like me to display (eg fabric details)  I think it would also be good to have a “likeometer” rating showing your personal satisfaction with the frock out of 10?   Maybe details of its first outing & how many unsolicited comments of admiration you received?

If you haven’t a blog, please email me at: scruffybadgertime(at)gmail(dot)com

And check back on the 19th to see who’s in so far!  If you haven’t quite finished, no worries, leave a status report & Ill share that too….

*Actually, we’re only a small team & 2/5 of us were unable to come, clearly the other three didn’t like each other enough to spend too much social time together……

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