La Via da Qui

I've made a dress, a skirt and a pair of trousers. Success! So now I've decided I'm a seamstress and have purchased lots, LOTS of fabric to sew with. A recent trip to Sydney is responsible for my new stash, with Cabramatta fabric stores being the main contributors. Trousers/Shorts From top to bottom 1- floral 3/4 length fitted pants - No pattern yet. Fabric from Cabramatta, Sydney. 2 - Not sure about this one - it' a bit loud...maybe shorts? Fabric from Kelani. 3- shorts (Thurlow, with some alterations maybe) Fabric also from Kelani. 4- long fitted trousers - No pattern yet. Cabramatta fabric, $3 a metre. 5 - long trousers (Thurlow), also Cabramatta, $3 a metre Skirts From top to bottom 1- Hard to see, but this has eyelets and pretty embroidery on it. Will need to be lined. Hollyburn skirt. Fabric from Cabramatta at $3.50 a metre. 2- Another Hollyburn, fabric also from Cabramatta at abot $3 a metre. 3- A splurge - Marimekko fabric. Not sure about the...

From a budgeting perspective, this hobby could go either way. It could be great for my savings, as I'll no longer buy things I never wear, but it could be terrible, as I'll fall in love with patterns and fabrics and get all excited... ...so I've made some rules  Only buy fabric with a pattern in mind (thus buy the correct amount and don't end up with a massive stash) No more than 5 projects in the sewing queue - i.e. if I haven't sewn from every pattern at least once, I am not allowed to buy any more patterns. The one exception here is a pattern that I bought by mistake - clicked on the wrong button when I ordered it! I don't like it so I'm not making it. The Sewing Queue As It currently Stands Style Arc Kate Wrap Dress (completed) Sewaholic Thurlow Trousers in blue fabric (in progress - one muslin pocket down!) Sewaholic Cambie Dress in red fabric - both already purchased Style Arc Melissa Blouse in muslin (depending on how it turns ...

Mum taught me to sew when I was young. I don't remember a great deal of what I learned, but the most important lessons stuck with me: - 1) how to read a pattern - 2) the basics of using a sewing machine - 3) don't cut paper with sewing scissors (maybe that should be 1) - 4) I can do it! For years, a combination of bad/expensive local fashion, lack of good fabric sources, and ugly sewing patterns, has stayed my hand when it comes to putting my sewing knowledge to use. But finally, FINALLY, the internet has come into its potential and connected people for purposes other than arguing about politics or looking at naughty pictures. Now, thanks to Mr Internet, I can get the energy, inspiration and confidence I need to start sewing my own clothes, properly. There's Tasia in Canada, whose  Sewaholic blog started me on my path. She made it sound fun and she explained so many tips and tricks in detail that I actually got excited to try things like "bias binding"! ...