Tuesday, 17 June 2014

sweet girls' clothes


I feel so much better having got those sewing mishaps off my chest. In the interests of staying positive, I won't tell you how I've somehow managed to lose the beautiful wool jacket I made for R, just as I finally found the right snaps for it - I'll try to be resilient and get over it. And on the positive side, I'm very happy with the first two things I've made from one of my recent sewing book purchases, Sweet Girls' Clothes by Yuki Araki. I have to say, I really love this book and can see myself sewing almost everything in it (if someone doesn't stop me, because R definitely doesn't need that many new clothes).



The bottom layer of this skirt is shot cotton and the top layer is Japanese lawn. It's a sweet and feminine design, and R is very happy with it. I made size 110 with 120 length so it has a bit of growing room.


I was also quite taken by the pattern for this v-neck top with ruched sides, which I made in a cotton-spandex (or perhaps it was cotton-lycra - can't remember). What on earth is this colour called? It's kind of purple, kind of grey, kind of mushroom. Whatever it is, I like it a lot. And it's very similar to the one used for the dress on the cover of the book:


Now I do realise there's a bit of ribbon overload going on in this combo, and I didn't intend for these clothes to be worn as an outfit, but I was trying to minimise the time spent modelling - R's not big on wardrobe changes unless they involve donning wings and picking up a wand.


 



Both the skirt and the top were very straightforward to sew, apart from the v-neckline, the construction of which was initially baffling (but then, I am easily baffled). I messed up the overstitching a bit, but as I'm attempting a positive focus with this post I won't dwell on it. Onward and upward!

10 comments:

  1. Wonderful! I didn't think I needed this book as he preview pictures were dresses similar to ones I already had but both of these patterns are gorgeous. Such a pretty outfit.

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    1. You know, I wasn't all that impressed by the styles shown in the previews either - I just ordered this book as an extra to get a free postage offer from Yes Asia. But once it arrived I realised it was way better than I had thought!

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  2. Love both top and the skirt, so girly and so wearable!

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    1. Thanks Jenya. I'm hoping they're both going to get a lot of wear :)

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  3. I love both of these items! Fun, practical, and yet sweetly feminine. Nice! I haven't dug into the Japanese sewing books, but it's only a matter of time, I imagine!

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    1. Thanks Inder! Warning: Japanese sewing books are addictive - especially for those who enjoy a combination of sewing and code-breaking :)

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  4. Love the skirt and the top, although I am particularly impressed with the top, ruched sides and all. And did she get a haircut recently--the last photo is so lovely, and she looks gorgeous.

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    1. Thanks Asmita. Yes R did get a haircut - she asked me recently to cut her hair, which was very exciting for me as I had daydreamed about cutting it shorter but thought she would never agree. I think this style suits her way better, and it's so much less tangly, hooray!

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  5. I really agree that Japanese sewing books are addictive, now I have another to add to my wish list. I love both of your makes. If I were a bit smaller I'd wear them! The Mushroom coloured top is stunning. Love your positive attitude I must learn from it.

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    1. Thanks Louise, I think I would wear the top too! Making kids' clothes is always so rewarding - the things I make for myself are very hit-and-miss.

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