Oh! Did you make that?

Hello sewing friends; my husband paid me a huge compliment this morning: 'Did you make that?' he said, 'Really?' Why, yes I did!

For some unknown reason, the colour seems impossible to capture accurately on screen. But it is a bold bright Star Trek red! I had originally fancied a red Coco using the Tilly and the Buttons pattern, but something held me back. I think it was the fear of looking like Lieutenant Uhura!

That aside, the fabric is a gorgeously bouncy viscose punto roma from Ditto Fabrics. It was bought at a sewing meet-up with the "sew bees". Am I the last to sew up something from the spoils of that day? Possibly!

In the end, I turned to my tried and tested dress pattern - simplicity 1784. It's just a fancy shift dress, really; I've made this twice before here and here and wear the dresses all the time. They are the perfect length for me, and the front section gives a bit of interest.

My original dresses make good use of contrasting fabrics and colour, but this time I thought I would make it plain. And I am really happy with it.

Over time my sewing is getting better. I am pleased with the detail in this make; smooth hemline, neat stitching in the ditch around the yoke, and my favourite bit - the pockets; they fall in the seam lines, and are roomy and fun.

The shape suits me, and I feel happy wearing this bright colour; it even matches my awfully bright lipstick!

New trousers!

Good evening. It's been cold recently, and this morning - to the joy of my youngest - it snowed. Sadly for her, it had all melted in the short time it took her to get dressed. Poor thing. We went outside anyway to photograph my new trousers, but it was very cold so we decamped indoors pronto.

I love the print of this fabric; dark blue floral print against a deep plummy purple. I bought it about a year ago on a whim from Fabricland in Brighton; it's a scuba knit and is thick and spongy. The trousers feel surprisingly lovely when on!

I really liked the fabric but because of the fabric content (polyester) I wouldn't want to wear it as a top or dress as it would be too sweaty, so it was destined to be either skirt or trousers.

From the front.

From the back

After making my muslin (simplicity 1314) I knew I had to raise the centre back and 

I used the slash and spread method to add room to the back of my trouser pattern. Very easy to do and worked a treat.

I am really pleased with how these turned out and would ideally like another pair. I have the most delicious wool and viscose knit from Ditto fabrics that I had earmarked for more trousers. It is almost black on the right side, but I prefer the wrong side as its a gorgeous mix of light grey and white in an almost twill effect.

But now I am deliberating as the fabric is so yummy and would make a lovely dress too. Decisions decisions!