So, what are the latest whatevers to wing their way out of the atelier, hmmm? Well, I’ve been making LOADS of things, just nothing much to show for it, as yet. Remember I mentioned I was making a pattern? Well, making a pattern comes with making a truckload of muslins, of course. I’ve actually made 13 dresses in the last month alone, albeit they’re made from old sheets and are a bit rough, but still. Am I going to count these in my “one refashion a month” resolution? no, that wouldn’t be fair. How’s the pattern coming along? swimmingly! which is fab… I’m almost at the testing phase, I will be incredibly happy to get there after 8 months of preparation. 8 MONTHS!
In more tangible making results, I made a little romper for Sarah’s new little boy… Sarah LOVES stripes, so the descent into stripe-matching madness struck once again. I used Butterick 6372, which I’ve made twice previously, and just altered it slightly to be a romper, and added that cute little pocket. Would you believe I re-did that little pocket THREE flipping times?? First I made a curved bottom pocket, which was pretty awful, followed by a flat bottomed pocket. Equally awful. I do really like the pointed bottom pocket though, I think it’s super cute. It’s my favourite part about the whole romper actually!
The striped cotton terry is from Spotlight, hopefully the last piece of fabric I will buy this year, given Project Stash Reduction is a goal this year. The red cuffs and pockets were culled from a Wildcats Tshirt from my refashioning pile. Thus partially fulfilling my once-a-month refashioning resolution #virtouslyRubbingFingernailsOnChest.
There was a little bit of leftover striped fabric, so I also made an adult sized beanie, using a pattern made by Andrea of fabric epiphanies. I’m afraid though that I couldn’t for the life of me work out how to print it up so the sizing square was the correct scale… three attempts later, and eventually I settled for “pretty close”. I estimated my beanie is actually about 7-8% bigger than the pattern, and then Sarah informed me it is too small! aaaagh! It is a pretty cute pattern though, I will still probably give it another go one day 🙂
The stripes do match up all around though, both inside and out, a matter of personal pride for me. I bound the beanie using a strip of blue merino, given to me by Mum.
So, after cutting the romper cuffs and pocket from the Tshirt, I still had quite a chunk of Tshirt leftover, well this wouldn’t do! I immediately realised, as you do; that I could get two pairs of knickers and a bra from the leftovers. Well, I’m sure that is the first thought anyone would think, hmmm?
I used the cloth habit Watson pattern, and cut out a bra plus two sets of matching knickers… yes, it was an XL Tshirt. I avoided as much of the advertising as possible and tried to stick to just the Wildcats logos as much as I could.
As I was making it, it occurred to me… is jungle January still a thing? See, in the past few years I’ve been in the habit of making a set of underwear for jungle January, and one of the things about the basketball is that the Perth Arena is known as “the Jungle” during the Wildcats games. Like, they’re always screaming “WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!!!!!!” and going on about “…. HERE IN THE JUNGLE…!!!!” “Jungle” I guess because, wildcats. Anyway, it occurred to me that I was serendipitously making a jungle-themed set of underwear again. Without even meaning to! Win!!!
Do you wanna hear something funny?
I’ve been in the throes of making this set for several weeks now, fitting it in as light relief in between working on my pattern, you know; and I took it along to the sewing guild meeting yesterday in the hopes of finishing it up. And there I had the joy of seeing Emma also making a Watson bra. Except her’s was really beautiful; super pretty, with chartreuse lace, pink and blue elastics, generally all round gorgeous and very feminine. Just absolutely lovely in every way. Such a contrast to my sorta … lowbrow one made from an old basketball Tshirt, With logos, and everything. Like something a teenager might wear. Or more like, refuse to. Omigawd, so embarrassing. I swear I don’t try to be like this. It just happens. Every now and again, I think back to an anonymous commenter who used to frequent my blog, and who couldn’t resist from pointing out my 1) immaturity and 2) unnecessary penny-pinching-ness, among other things. Ahem, guilty as charged!
Fully lined with a lightweight stretchy stuff that I discovered during my stash clean out… My tutorial for fully lining this pattern to enclose the seams, is here
I thought about not posting this next one… but wellll, here goes… I’ve also made another thing, squeezed out from the Wildcats Tshirt, I mentioned it was an XL yeah?! I also got a little cropped top, much nothing to write home about at all… I made it specifically for my new workout aspirations. I hadn’t made any working out or losing weight resolutions on New Year’s Eve … but just lately I’ve been feeling a bit stodgy and decidedly… “matronly”, is the only word I can think of. So I decided to do something about it, and purchased the Kayla Itsines Bikini BodyGuide. One thing you’re supposed to do before even getting started is take a picture of yourself, preferably in a sports crop top and little shorts, and then take a new picture in the same ensemble every week as you work through the guide. So obviously I had to make myself a little crop top, asap! I used my customised version of the Closet Case Nettie bodysuit pattern and whipped up this super basic thing, just edged with a line of white overlocking thread around all the edges, which I think looks nice with my little white shorts. I made those too.. they’re are the eponymous Carolyn pyjama shorts. I rolled them up a bit, to show as much abdomen as I dared. Hopefully, it’s going to become a more shapely one in a few weeks! Don’t worry, I will not be posting a new picture here every week, but I’ll probably do an summary when I finished the course!
I started out with the beginner’s schedule, and practically killed myself just doing day 1!!
before…
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Way to go getting maximum use out of a t shirt. I think sports logo under bits sell for extra here in the States. Very brave beginning new exercise program photo. I think you a ways from “Matronly”. Maybe not where you would like to be.. I consider myself “teapot” shape. Short and Stout. Like the children’s song.
I’ve never thought of you or your content as immature; fun – absolutely! But not immature, and I love the latest lingerie set.
I also just started the BBG (beginner version) and I was in so much pain after the first workout. Onwards and upwards though, right?!
Ha ha, can’t believe that you had an anonymus commenter leaving snarky remarks – how do they even find their way to sewing blogs? I’m glad you didn’t let it get to you though, your style is perfect as it is and in my eyes completely age appropriate.
On a separate note, I get so excited whenever you mention your pattern! Can’t wait to see more, I love it already!
Immature? How about whimsical at times? I love your style, and I love this set! How much fun is that, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being frugal. I can’t wait to see your pattern. Even if it is not my style, as always, I will be thoroughly intrigued by your talent! Good luck on your exercise journey! You really are a long way from matronly, but then, that is the time to start.
I’m with Becky, and I’m adding Delightful too.
You make us very excited for seeing your pattern! I love how you used the old shirt for making such a cool lingerie set! And a crop top. I had to laugh out reading your description of yourself as matronly. Never ever, I am sure! But a work out is a good thing and I can‘t wait what you will be saying „after“ 😉
I wonder about the anonymous commenter (jealous perhaps?), as frugality is a wonderful thing imo. I adore all your makes and you have inspired me to refashion the large box of t-shirts I have sitting around. Intrigued to see your new pattern.
You’re not the only one who tries to squeeze something out of every last little scrap of fabric. I think it takes a lot of imagination to do so – and makes for some interesting garments.
Can’t wait to see the pattern that you’ve designed!
You’re designing a pattern?! Count me in 🙂 I always love to see your makes Caroline – you’re an inspiration to us all.
You are not matronly. At all. And just, uggghhh, to the annonymous poster!
For what it’s worth, this reader completely relates to the scruffy, lowbrow side of your sewing. “I swear I don’t try to be like this. It just happens.” Me too. The back-and-forth between elegant and grungy, beautiful and ugly, serious and silly, is one of my favorite things about your blog.
I somehow missed that you were making a pattern but I’m super excited about it now!
Wouldn’t life be dreary without quirk? If puzzling over how to reuse T-shirts or improve on a bra design is quirky, then quirky is what I want to be, too.
RE fitness, good for you! Who doesn’t want to be like that spry, limber 82-year-old we see at the aerobics class, some day? The best reason to do it is how it will feel, but if the mirror motivates, then why not. You may have to tailor some of your clothes, but that’s easy enough. For you.
Don’t forget your wiggly fur-covered bar bell (=personal trainer) who can help with squats and bicep curls.
The world needs a few more frugal people who find creative ways to use things that are otherwise of no use and while it may not be everyones cup of tea it is certainly to be admired for creativity purposes alone! As for being immature and not being age appropriate, who wants to be age appropriate when they get to middle age anyway, certainly not me! It all sounds way to boring!
What a shame your hat didn’t fit. It does look rather good on the model. I will work out how much stretch the fabric I used has and add it to the instructions as a more accurate guide. I have made heaps of these for my family and we have everything from small to large heads. I just tried to print it using my printer and it printed out first time to scale. It must be due to the differences in printers. I might have to see how I can link it to a pdf somehow.
Good luck with your pattern! I spent the last term of the school year at pattern drafting school and have just finished drafting my own first pattern, for myself. I am enjoying the challenge so there will be more.
I’m sure the fault is 100% my own. A pdf would be a good idea though, take the guesswork out 🙂
I love all of these makes – and see no problem with being immature or frugal. Being sensible is highly over rated and the world needs more frugal people making good use of its resources.
Keep it up Carolyn!
Is the pattern for the gorgeous brown linen dress ?????? Hope so
I love the sports themed underwear, makes me want to do some. Bravo on your stripe matching, I always find it so rewarding.
Looking forward to hearing more about your pattern.
8 months…not really a surprise. This is your baby after all. From conception to completion, it takes time. That being said….Hurry hard. Hurry hard. {That’s a Canadian curling term, LOL}
i always love these newsy posts…I just finished a 30 day yoga challenge and feel so much better! I think you already look great…hope your routine makes you feel awesome!
I love how a teeny tiny baby pocket and cuffs led you to create a stunning lingerie set and a workout top! And satisfy your annual jungle theme and your new exercise regime! Win!
I love all of the things you have made. And in the era of disposable fast fashion, I think it is rather refreshing to see items being refashioned instead of thrown into the trash.
First off, there is nothing more thrilling than using fabric from stash, using instead of consuming. You’re green and smart. Second, your undies are super high brow. The placement of that tiger? Brilliant! Thirdly, good luck with your exercise! I find that instead of getting slimmer when I exercise, I fill out which is lame, but being fit is better than being thin! Right??? Love those PJ shorts. They have the perfect drape. Cute and comfy.
Wow you have been busy and love the little triangle pocket as well as the very wearable lingerie set. I will be interested to hear about your exercise regime.
Thank you for your kind words about my lace ‘clown colours’ bra – but yours was so neatly lined on the inside and mine was a mess of exposed seams, and I think using a t-shirt like that is so cool!
Like everyone else I am aghast, I never comment here (I show up about six times a year to look at your projects) but I loooove your style. I don’t think it’s immature, it’s casual and unfussy and playful. (And yes, completely age-appropriate – you have a very simple, edited look with occasional notes of well-rendered sophistication like your valentine’s day dress. Not that I think people should be policed on what they wear by age! But I’ve been reading your blog for well on ten years I think and your style keeps looking fresh and modern whereas, um, many of the projects I started ten years back reeeally haven’t aged well because I was a less judicious editor and got bobbled about by trends more)