Monday 22 June 2015

More refashioning, with embroidery

Hello there. I feel a bit of a fraud blogging, as truth-be-told I have done no sewing for almost two weeks. It's really depressing me. I have three half-finished projects sat next to my machine and I just don't have the "Oomph" to sew them. I don't know if it's the lack of sewing that gets me down, or that when I'm down I can't sew. But either way it's not good.  

However, I do have something to share: a Delphine skirt from "Love at First Stitch". This is my second incarnation of this pattern; my polka dot skirt is in heavy rotation as it seems to go with everything! I do love the shape and fit of the Delphine, so I very much doubt this will be my last one either.


This, like my previous refashion, was an attempt to use up fabric from worn-out jeans that were past giving to the charity shop, but still contained usable fabric. Apart from folding out some length, I made no other alterations and sewed a straight size 3. The fit is pretty perfect for me.


The waist band and back are from a pair a maternity jeans, and the front is a plain vintage linen with applique flowers on. This piece of fabric was very small and only just matched the front pattern piece.


I can't really take credit for the design. I found this piece of fabric neatly folded in my late Nan's fabric stash.



She had carefully cut out the flowers from a sample book of curtain fabric, and arranged and stuck them on with bondaweb. Nanny had then presumably not known what to do with it and put it away. I myself had previously got it out many times wondering how I could use it.

I added machine embroidery to give the applique more texture, and to ensure they didn't flap off in the wash


After this, there was much deliberation over what to do with it. Perhaps I should have framed it. But selfishly perhaps I saw it as a skirt panel!


Sadly, I'm not entirely convinced this is successful. I think the linen is too thin in comparison to the denim. I will wear it happily, though perhaps only in summer. I also want to replace the zip with an exposed one. I have even bought it, just need to sew it on. Motivation - come find me!!

Hopefully, I will be back on my machine very soon; until then, I will continue to enjoy reading other people's sewing adventures.

9 comments:

  1. I know the how hard it is when your sewing motivation tanks! I throw caution to the wind and start a new simple, easy sew project to get my motivation back up!

    I like the linen front. It is an interesting mix of textures and fabrics. I bet a simple white shirt would really make the skirt pop.

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    1. Thanks for the support, I know it will come back and I'm trying not to let it bother me now!

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  2. Hope you find your sewing mojo again soon - when I've been lacking in motivation I always find a TNT (generally an Emery dress in my case!) and some fun fabric help to get me back on track again!
    I like the machine embroidery that you added to the applique - and I'm sure your Nan would be pleased that you found a good use for her flowers!

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    1. I love machine embroidery its so easy but adds loads of texture.

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  3. Don't worry...your sewing mojo is just taking a little rest. It's a good time to reorganize your sewing space, maybe purchase a new sewing tool that you've coveted, or see if your library has any sewing books in rotation. I have to say that I think your refashion is pretty clever Louise! Proof positive that your creativity just needs to be redirected for a bit! Enjoy the change!

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    1. Ah thank you. Yes I am definitely going to have a sort out of the stash and see what lovely fabric I have.

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  4. What a brilliant use for that applique! You've created a totally unique skirt by thinking outside the box and I bet it gets loads of comments! And well done, Nan too for providing the inspiration. Lovely idea :-)

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    1. Ah thank you. Definitely make me think of my lovely talented Nan.

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  5. I think it is a lovely skirt - I bet your Nan is smiling down on you now you've found a purpose for her lovely fabric! I have never used machine embroidery/ applique - I must look up how to do it as yours looks great!!

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