Lauren Guthrie - Simple Sleeveless Top

I have almost finished my Simple Sleeveless Top by Lauren Guthrie. I would have finished it earlier but life has been so busy lately. So where am I at? Well I have just finished making my continuous binding, by following Lauren's instructions in her book (mentioned in an earlier post). I decided to make my binding using the same material as my top. You can make it in a contrasting material if you like, which is lovely for making a delicate feature on your top. 

 

In Lauren's instructions she suggests cutting a square of material (50cm x 50cm). Unfortunately, I had to adjust my square size down to 40cm x 40cm, as I didn't have enough material. It doesn't make a difference, it just means that the length of continuous binding will be slightly shorter. Then, once you have cut out the square from your binding material, the square is cut diagonally.

 

 

 

You then stitch the triangles together using a 1cm seam allowance. It is important to note that the edges of the triangles must overlap each other slightly at each end.

 

The seam is then pressed open. Then using a chalk pencil or temporary fabric marker, mark evenly spaced lines on each side of the material. The material is then place right side facing up and the diagonal edges are stitched together (1cm seam allowance). This is the tricky part though, because you have to move one pressed edge up one column - to create the continuous part of your binding. Please refer to Lauren's book for more detailed instructions.

 

 

Now before you start cutting make sure that you don't cut the columns while holding both triangles together. If you do this, you will end up with continuous binding that looks like a garter!!! Not helpful. So start at one end, with the column that overlaps and only cut through one material layer at a time. Its fiddly the first time you try it but definitely worth it. So now I present my first go at making binding....

 

 

 

 

Now its your turn to share your tips for making binding. In the meantime, to keep up to date on my future projects subscribe to my blog and you will receive my posts by email. So much easier!



 

 

 

 

Vintage patterns

Do you love vintage clothes? Do you find yourself scanning the internet for vintage sewing patterns? Well look no further. I have stumbled across an easy and cheap way of buying vintage patterns - second hand stores. I don't often have time to look through second hand stores, but I was looking for books by a particular author and thought I would look in a large Lifeline store (which is a second hand charity store - in Australia). Not only did I find some books, but I also came across a box of gems - some old sewing patterns. I bought the following patterns for $1 each -

 

Knitwit - Skirt pattern with variations



I have since learnt that Knitwit patterns are patterns for stretch materials. However, I still think I can use the pattern to make these skirts in material other than stretch material. Well, I hope so. Let me know if you have used a Knitwit pattern - I would love any advice.

 

Simplicity 8623 - pants

 

I thought I could make use of this Simplicity pattern (8623) to make firmer fitting pants (with a floral material) and also the loose fitting pants. I have recently completed a short pattern making course, which will definitely come in handy for altering this patterns for fit and variations.

 

Now the BEST place where I found vintage patterns and old designer patterns by Calvin Klein, was at a large antique centre in Brisbane, Australia. Unfortunately, I did not have time to go through the patterns in detail and to buy up big, but I have made a permanent mental note for the future. If you live in Brisbane and want the details, just email me or comment on this post. If you don't live in Brisbane have a hunt at your local antique centre for any hidden treasures. 

 

Let me know where you buy your vintage or second hand patterns. Post your comments below or email me at offyousew@gmail.com with your pictures and I will share them on my blog.