Mirroring Suzy Bee Sews - Life So Strange It Should Be Fiction

I was never that happy with the top that I made from this pattern, the underbust seam never sat right and it was too clingy. After seeing all the great versions at the Melbourne social shopping event though I figured it was worth another go. This version is made from a cotton interlock from the clearance bin at The Fabric Store and the midriff band is black Ponte from the Alannah Hill outlet. This fabric is a bit thicker and sits so much better! So I'll be using a plain interlock from now on, no more lightweight knits. Pattern adjustments - the back is a 45, front is a 40D and the waistband/skirt is a 42.5". I extended the sleeves by 1.5" and widen them slightly by about .5". I find the pockets a bit floppy but not sure what can be done about that, plus just having pockets is worth it! I am so glad I had another go at this pattern, it is just so comfortable and it skims the lumps and bumps so nicely. I actually jus cut out another one ready to...

I'm on a stash busting mission at the moment so sewing through what I have - I got this jersey from Rathdowne Fabrics a year or two ago. Its got great recovery and is a nice medium weight. I've made this dress a couple of times now but mostly with crappier knits so this dress should *fingers crossed* last a lot longer. Because this is only a medium weight, I wanted the waistband to have more heft to it so I cut 2 and interfaced them both with a weft interfacing. This gives it a lot more stability and helps it sit smoother when wearing the dress. I did my same adjustments as last time - the back is a 45, front is a 40D and the waistband/skirt is a 42.5". I extended the sleeves by 1.5" and widen them slightly by about .5". Except I added to the bust length, this pattern is meant to be sewn without having to add a FBA but I found with me the length through the bodice I just way too short. I got myself a coverstitch machine this year, talk abo...

I liked this pattern when it first came out but it was Heathers version that pushed me over the edge to make it! I really like it tied with the neckline lower and the look of it open as a draped cardigan. This is a sz 45 but I took the side seams in by nearly an inch under the arms especially. Next time I'm cutting out a 45 on the back and a 40 on the front which is what I do for the Tiramisu dress. I copied Heathers idea and rounded off the back flap too as I'll be mostly wearing it over pants. Be aware that it is pretty short, I wore it out today with a singlet underneath because I don't have any pants high enough waisted. Fabric is purple bamboo rayon from fabric.com . Its a funny colour, looks blue in bright light and purple in darker light. Its just gorgeous, has great recovery and feels so soft. Next time I order from them I'm getting more of it! The lapped seam had me scratching my head until I started doing it and then it all came together.   I really like it...

I cut out this version straight after finishing the last one, I love this pattern! I've had this fabric in my stash for a while, it was one of those preshirred fabrics that are hemmed on one end and shirred on the other, I suppose its so you could make a really quick strapless dress out of it. I chopped off the shirred bit and just used the bottom half. I had plans for this to be a teal knit on the top and the stripes on the bottom to break it up a bit, but the teal ended up too tight and got chucked aside. Luckily I had enough to cut out the bodice from the leftover stripes! I always seem to struggle with knits being either too stretchy or not stretchy enough! Same sizing as last time , I did add about 1cm to the bodice front though and it sits nicely underbust now. I love the stripe layout, the pattern makes it really easy, I cut everything in a single layout using this technique . It means the stripes are identical and makes it so much easier to sew. I read a  blog post  th...

 I made this for my daughter, it's a trial run before I cut into the cat fabric from Melbourne for her. The top itself is nice and simple, I always struggle to fit my daughter in a woven fabric though, I think it's because she has opposite adjustments to what I need. There's still some problems with the fit, the shoulders were way too narrow on her and therefore the sleeves were too high and tight so I cut them off.  This is a size small with the bust darts raised by 1" and the collar pointed. Next version I think I'll make a sz medium and attempt a SBA with a small sloping shoulder adjustment. If anyone can pick up any more fitting issues please say, any advice is welcome! The fabric is cotton poly blend from Spotlight, it has a cute Kawaii type print on it, I kind of think it looks like pyjamas but Amber seems to like it. All I can ever imagine with cutesy prints like this is Michael Kors popping up and saying  it looks becky homecky! Buttons are from the stash, ...