Suki Robe

On the weekends I'm not working or required to have an early start, I enjoy a lazy morning in my pj's and robe.  This year I decided I need a new summer weight robe. 

It is actually very hard to find patterns for this type of garment now, but I found there were some indie designers online who have some.  The main thing I wanted was not too wide a sleeve nor at oo oversized robe.  After perusing the options available, reading blogs and looking at the various hashtags on Instagram, I decided on the Suki robe from Helens Closet. I liked the fact that it didn't look too voluminous and that the sleeves weren't too long and wide. I purchased a beautiful linen/flax/viscose floral blend fabric for the main robe and a contrasting linen for the bands from Spotlight in their recent 40% off sale.

Again I used the layers option for printing out only the size I needed (I have been asking myself, why was I scared to try this function on patterns).  Based on my measurements I made the 8-10 size in the longer length,  I am a little taller than the height it is drafted for, but didn't worry about adding any extra length to it.  Wanting to give it a touch of luxury, I decided to do french seams on all the seams too, and am glad I did, the fabric frayed easily, so hopefully they'll last well. I also used the fabulous french seams on pockets tutorial from In the Folds, incorporating these instructions into the actual robe instructions.  Yes, this robe has in seam pockets, inner ties to hold it closed and belt loops too. The only area I had trouble with was the pivoted corners of the front bands.  I am not sure how these will hold, but have done a couple of rows of top stitching either side of the seam to reinforce it. Should I make this again,  I would probably extend the contrast band right down the front of the robe.

Overall I am really pleased with how this has turned out, and am intending to take it on my  upcoming camping holiday too, so I present a picture of respectability when I'm sitting outside my tent having my morning cuppa.

 

Melody Dolman Shirt

Christmas 2019, when my sister and her family were over from Australia, we decided that Christmas 2020 we would have a loud/crazy shirt theme when we were all together.  Well we all know that didn't happen, so we have decided to optimistically make it the theme for Christmas 2021. 

I had always intended buying a shirt, but when I visited Fab Fabrics in Botany they had a rayon remnant that kept catching my eye.  Not something I would normally pick to wear, but I loved the colours in the print.

I looked through a few pattern books, but it is actually really hard to find a plain button up shirt pattern these days, and Spotlight doesn't always have what you want, if you find a style you like.  Fortuitously, Love Notions Patterns were having a new year sale and in their promo, I saw a picture of a shirt I liked, that actually looked relatively easy to make. The Melody dolman shirt pattern was downloaded and assembled, rayon prewashed, stretched and ironed for easier cutting, and sewing began.

It was an easy make too.  My first set in collar, and enclosed facing for for the fronts, and fold over cuffs too. Not having to set in sleeves certainly added to the enjoyment of sewing this. I sewed the size small with no alterations, I was worried it maybe to short for me cos I'm a little taller than the height it's drafted for, but am glad I didn't add any length to it. I think I'll make another version at some point too, that will be a more useful addition to my wardrobe.

I now have a fun casual summer shirt, (which when worn in the setting of my garden is really the latest thing in garden camouflage wear), ready for a work picnic and hopefully a big family Christmas this year.

Peppermint Wrap Skirt

 

The Peppermint Wrap skirt, my first make for 2021 is definitely channeling strong beachy sarong vibes.  

I bought this red printed viscose online, intending to use it for a boho styled top, however I didn't realise the border print was on both selvedge edges and how big the print actually was.  It sat in my stash for a few months until I saw a  patterned wrap skirt online the other day..

Lightbulb moment.  I could make that with my fabric, luckily last year I had printed out the free pattern, so all I had to do was locate it in my sewing room and assemble it.

I ended up winging the placement of pattern pieces in the end.  I didn't worry about checking the grainline was straight, my main aim was to get the top of the border print aligned on all three pieces, however the way the skirt pattern is shaped, meant that the lower borders are not quite the same on each piece.

Overall it is an easy sew.  French seams throughout, an enclosed waistband and a button hole for pulling the ties through. Based on my measurements I made a size D without any alterations.

It's going to be perfect for wearing on my camping holiday at the beach next month.

Wairoa Suspension Loop Track

 

It has become somewhat of a tradition to do a day hike with The Scout over New Year, when he is not involved in scouting activities.

This year we did the Wairoa suspension Loop track in the Hunua Ranges.

The loop is a bout 8km long and is a good track, which on the whole I found relatively easy, except when I was climbing steps up  some hills.  There are a lot of steps, however the views out over the Hunua Ranges and surrounding areas were worth it.  The dams still have low water levels. (there are four in the Hunua Ranges).

This was a nice way to start my hiking adventures for 2021.

2021 - A New Year

 

I think for most of us, 2021 will be a New Year,  that in many ways will not be much different from the year we have just experienced.  We are going into this this year knowing what lies a head of us, unlike last New Year. 

This year, we're hoping for vaccines, for a miraculous cure, for the end of lockdowns and social distancing, for politicians to listen to scientists and doctors, for the freedom to travel and visit loved ones, basically, for life to return to normal. 

Whatever challenges, goals or dreams you have for the New Year, here's to good health, and happiness. 

Happy New Year.