Tabla de contenidos para No26-2 en Australian Stitches

here is plenty of fashion out there for day, for night, for work, for play … but what about for those private moments when you’ve closed the front door behind you and are ready to relax? Of course, we’re talking about that special (and increasingly precious) time you take for yourself at home, where all the hassles of the outside world are left where they belong … outside! So, it stands to reason that what you wear in those moments, in or out of bed, should be just as hassle-free. This isn’t about capital ‘F’ fashion, or getting into a tizzy about the ‘right’ colour, the ‘latest’ silhouette or an ‘on-trend’ accessory. In fact, it isn’t about anything ‘on-trend’ at all (well, maybe a little … but we’ll get to…

Styling It is interesting to note that most contoured waistbands are combined with a skirt that has fullness in the design. The moulded waist combined with garment volume can create imbalance on many figures. The best choice for the average figure is a design that is streamlined, using fabrics that drape in soft folds. Vogue 9007, all views, would work well for many as it has soft, undulating folds of fabric combined with a contoured waistband. This is a streamlined silhouette, which can work well for the shorter, heavier figure when the colour combination is continuous and muted. See photos 1 and 2. Caution is required when a contoured waist ends in volumes of fabric or where the contoured panel is of contrasting fabric or colour. Both of these concepts…

The Australian Sewing Guild Industry Day at Brisbane Northside – with plenty to see and do - was one not to miss! We enjoyed talks and demonstrations from Kerryn’s Fabric World, Kazuyo’s Japanese Fabrics, Genesis paints, Janome and costume maker, Gayle McGregor. Stalls at the event provided shopping opportunities for between talks. At Kazuyo’s stall, I fell for a length of brightly printed fabric from an unpicked kimono. It was about 2.5m long and mostly 36cm wide. Black was the best choice to coordinate with such a strong design. Once home and fabrics both washed, I draped it on Dolly my dressmaker’s dummy, and played with various style ideas. Would it be used for sleeves, yoke panels in a skirt, jacket, or top, or a centre panel in a dress?…

This lace collection has taken its inspiration from ‘Downton Abbey’. So, imagine those beautiful elegant silhouettes worn by Lady Mary … then add all the glamour of exquisite fabrics and you’ve got the feel for this fabric story. It’s all about texture. Lace with corded ribbon embroidery, satin stitch laces, appliquéd and stitched laces and eyelet laces, all teamed back with silk satins. Colours go from old gold to cafe au lait, to ivory, to blush. Perfect for first, second and dare we say it – third-time-round brides, for bridesmaids and for mother and grandmother of the bride. Or, for that very special occasion when you just want to celebrate with perhaps a beautiful fabric jacket teamed with a silk satin skirt or palazzo pant. Available from the Martin &…

EASY SHAPES, SOFT KNITS … EVERYTHING IS RIGHT AT HOME – M6849: Very loose-fitting, pullover tops with shaped hem and tunic with button trim. Both top and tunic have side front and back seams, sleeves cut on crosswise grain and hood option. Shorts have side slits and pants have elastic waist and purchased drawstring. Pants also have elasticised cuffs. Designed for light to medium weight moderate stretch knits, such as jerseys, cotton knit or interlock. Tunic, shorts and pants also in sweatshirt fleece or sweater knits. Misses' sizes: XS(4-6) – XXL(24-26).…

When deciding to add an in-seam pocket, consider the most comfortable and useable placement position and the weight of the garment fabric. Pattern pieces provided for in-seam pockets in dresses or jackets, see photo 1, usually state ‘Cut 4’ from garment fabric. If the fabric is heavier, for example in a jacket or coat, it is good idea to cut two from the garment fabric and two from a lighter weight fabric. This will reduce bulk in the pocket area. The garment fabric piece is the under-pocket and the lighter fabric, the upper-pocket. See photos 2 and 3. When the pocket is placed in vertical seams, place your hand at a comfortable level and mark the width of your palm. See photo 4. Add approximately 5cm (2in) to that width…

Sleepwear comes in many guises, from seductive little whispers of lace, silks, jerseys or satins, as in the robe and nightgown on the preceding page see more ultra-feminine lingerie looks , to clean-cut, comfortable shapes borrowed from his pyjamas. This season, they just want to have fun in crisp, bright colours, novelty graphics or even in a happy mix of plaids, stripes and spots, all in striking black and white. That’s where the ‘trend’ bit comes in – with shapes as clean, classic and consistent as these, one can keep them from getting stale with a change of vibrant colour or print! … Why not even create your very own wardrobe of tops and bottoms to mix-or-match at whim? More at-home looks.…

A JACKET THAT’S READY TO GO ANWHERE B5994: Fitted, unlined jacket has front extending into collar, princess seams, side front pockets, stitched hems, concealed front zipper, two-piece sleeves, and self-made toggles with decorative button closure. Also with contrast collar variation. Designed for medium to heavyweight stretch wovens. A DRESS WITH MODERN MOBILITY B5986: Very loose-fitting, pullover dress has right and left extending into collar and drape (tacked at hemline), no side seams, and partially elasticised hemline. Right and left sides are cut on crosswise grain. Also in sleeveless version. Designed for lightweight two-way stretch knits only. TOPS & PANTS THAT FLY HIGH IN ANY SITUATION B5961: Very loose-fitting, pullover top has collar/ length variations and shaped armholes. Fitted, tapered pants have cuff variation, side front and side back seams, topstitching…

This series of articles focuses on various areas of garment construction and offers different methods to achieve success and a garment to be proud of. With every element of sewing there are lots of options, with choices to be made about fabrics, notions and techniques. This certainly applies to needles and threads. Things you may not know about needles and threads Selecting the most suitable thread for a project is not just about the best colour match. Threads vary in composition and thickness and using a thread that is not compatible with the fabric; too weak or too thick can spoil the finished result, as the thread will not do its job of holding the garment together while remaining an invisible part of the construction. There will be times when…

The question is what place does sewing have in your life? To me, this may be the only question, although one with many answers. It has already been established, in this column and elsewhere, that if you don’t sew you can still be dressed. Transforming what is on the sheep to what’s on your back, because there is no other option, is no longer the issue. We sew not because we have to, or even because we can, but because we want to. It’s the ‘want to’ that I want to talk about today. Doing what you really want, or feel like, is something that gets lost in the lives of many modern women. The truth is the have-to-do list keeps growing. More duties, obligations, commitments and things we are…

1. Lace Hearts printed knit – polyester/spandex blend, colour: Black/Cream, 145cm wide with a 70cm pattern repeat, $19.95m Pattern: Kwik•Sew 3658. Comes as a dress and top with different sleeve lengths and either V-neck or high, drape-neck collar. This version has been made to pattern but with a three-quarter-length sleeve. 2. Modena printed knit – viscose/ spandex blend, colour: Black/Light Grey, 145cm wide, $18.95m. Pattern: Burda 6990. Fitted, raglan sleeve top with four different neckline options. View C used here. 3. Forest printed knit, polyester/ spandex blend, colour: Black/Cream, 145cm wide with a 70cm pattern repeat, $19.95m. Pattern: Kwik•Sew 3658. No alterations made to this pattern. Fabrics and patterns are from Knitwit Contact: Wendy Gager, Shop 4/142 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, WA 6009. Phone: (08) 9389 1222 Local call cost outside…

SEWSTYLISH 1542: Jacket with buttoned-back tab, in three versions with front and collar variations, and skirt gathered on waistband. Misses’ sizes: 4 – 20. www.simplicity.com…

UNISEX PANTS, ROBE AND KNIT TOPS 6233: Unisex loungewear includes knit top in short or long sleeves, knit or woven drawstring pants, and bathrobe with pockets. Tops sized for stretch knits only: cotton interlock or jerseys. Robe and pyjama pants in flannel, laundered cottons, chambray, cotton and cotton blends. Robe also in silks or silk types, fleece, velour. Unisex sizes: XS – XL. TODDLERS' TOP, PANTS AND ROBE 6234: Toddlers' top has short sleeves and a chest pocket. Pants have elastic waist for comfort and ease. Hooded robe comes with two convenient front pockets. For cotton and cotton blends, flannel, laundered cottons, calico, chambray, seersucker, cotton interlock. Robe also in fleece, sweatshirt fleece, velour (not suitable for sleepwear). Use fabrics and trims that meet government flammability standards. Toddlers’ sizes: 1/2…

V8888: Wrap-and-tie robe with length and trim variations, two slip designs as shown that can be shortened to camisole length, and panties. For charmeuse, crepe de chine or jerseys with trim in lace or Point D'esprit. Misses’ sizes: 6 – 20. www.voguepatterns.com…

The GO-ANYWHERE JACKET  hen you’re travelling, some things are essential – credit cards, toiletries, and depending on where you’re heading, air tickets and a passport. Another one would be an easy, lightweight jacket in a seasonless (maybe even showerproof) fabric, a neutral (often darker) colour and with enough handy pockets to stash things in without making you look like Crocodile Dundee. This style adapted from an anorak pattern (see page 64) is long enough to layer over light jerseys for sudden chills, but chic enough to look terrific whether you're sightseeing or supping at that great little late-night bistro. We show it here over those other travel essentials; – cropped pants and flats, but it could just as easily work over jeans, khakis, even a Little Black Dress or a…

500 TIME-TESTED HOME REMEDIES and the Science Behind Them By Linda B White M.D Look no further! Try these timeless treatments supported by cutting-edge science! From insect bites, insomnia, and upset stomach to nasal congestion, stress and heart health, this comprehensive guide offers easy, effective recipes to strengthen your resistance to illness, ease aches and pains and manage minor ailments naturally. The authors explain the science behind these remedies, debunk common myths, and let you know when to call the doctor. In addition, they provide a blueprint of wellness for you and your family. This book’s 500 recipes contain readily available, inexpensive and safe ingredients – many that you will find within your cupboards or at the grocery store. RRP: $29.99 ISBN: 978-1-59233-575-6 Publisher: Fair Winds Press DELIGHT IN THE…