The end of Me Made June

Today is the last day I will be taking a daily photo of what I am wearing, well maybe not, as I have found it very interesting to see the variety of garments I have and find the photographic records works very well for me, however I won't subject you to any more, well at least not until September.

The pieces in my outfit today you have seen before and I was surprised by just tying the ties into a bow and putting the top with a suit, how different it looks.

(mmm maybe we should have taken more than 1 photo)

Top: Jalie 2921 in brown/coffee circle knit which you saw on Day 4.
Skirt: Vogue 7937 in dark brown wool crepe which you say on Day 10.
Jacket: McCall's 3750 in the same dark brown wool crepe made in 2003 again on Day 10.
Boots: Nine West

I plan on doing a wrap up early next week.

All but last

Today I had to dig deep and this outfit you have seen most of it before however I have managed to get my "desk view" different.



Jumper/Sweater: Purchased from Country Road in Oyster colour which you saw on Day 8.
Skirt: McCall's 7244 in a grey wool flannel made in 2007 you saw on Day 6 and 20.
Vest: Purchased purple sleeveless vest
Jacket: Me-Made knitted Shawl Collar Jacket in Touch Possum Yarn which you saw on Day 16, 22 and 25.
Accessory: Purchased silver/gold/pearl necklace
Boots: Nine West

Now I'm off to bed, it has been a big day.

MMJ Day 28

For some reason I thought today's outfit would be a challenge, but then I remembered a combination that I haven't worn all month and one that I normally wear a lot.



Top: Vogue 8572 in yellow that you saw on Day 1 and 17.
Skirt: Self Drafted Skirt in brown linen, interlined (to help stop the wrinkles) and lined in Sun Silky which you saw on Day 9.
Jacket: Chanel Style jacket from Day 9 and 14
Accessory: Pearl necklace and purchased earrings.
Boots: Nine West

Now what am I going to wear tomorrow??

MMJ Day 27

Oh wow, we are on the last stretch, and I must admit the IPad came in very handy this morning when getting ready for work as I could see what I had worn for the last 26 days at a glance.

Still focusing on not having the same view if I am sitting at my desk, this is what I came up with today.



Top: BWOF 02-2009-108 in coffee jersey which you say on Day 18 and 23.
Vest: Purchased burnt red vest.
Trouser: Vogue 9537 in brown fine wool which you saw on day 7.
Jacket: Purchased leather jacket (again)
Accessory: Silk scarf purchased in China
Boots: Nine West

Only 3 more days to go, this could be very interesting.

MMJ Day 26

You may have figured out that I do like to support the ASG and today it was a win/win situation, I help woman the ASG Stand for a few hours at the Craft & Quilt Fair and get free entry into the Fair for the whole day.

This suits me fine as I find I can wander around quite quickly, checking out the exhibitors I am interested in, catching up with friends, maybe doing a Workshop and then heading home.

Of course I had my camera with me to take today's photo, however it never quite happened even though a few people reminded me of the fact, so when I got home DH was requested to get the camera.

Of course Roscoe hasn't seen me for at least 8 hours so he has decided it is play time and here he comes!!



Top: Purchased cream t-shirt
Vest: Purchased grey knitted vest.
Trouser: Vogue 9537 modified in black denim you saw yesterday
Jacket: Vogue 7975 in brown and blue tweed which you have seen on Day 5 and 7.
Accessory: Me-made crocheted necklace again
Boots: Betts Marathon

Sorry I have nothing to show, although I have ordered some buttons, but you will have to wait until I have finished knitting (which could be a while knowing me).

Wonderful company and a great day

Today was the ASG's Industry Day at Simplicity Patterns at Revesby.

Industry Days give me the opportunity to catch up with other members who I don't get to see so often and to listen to the guest speakers and purchase the goodies that are available.

This is Simplicity's Distribution warehouse, it is not designed for warmth, so you have to layer up as it can be freezing, although this year the Committee organised some great gas heaters for us.



Top: Kwik.Sew 3740 in coffee/grey/cream knit which you saw on Day 20.
Trouser: Vogue 9537 modified in black denim (blogged here)
Cardigan: Me-Made knitted Shawl Collar Jacket in Touch Possum Yarn which you saw on Day 16 and 22.
Coat: McCall's 8522 in aubergine cashmere wool (not seen) which you saw on Day 13.
Accessory: Purchased gold band choker with pearl disc and purchased earrings
Boots: Betts Marathon

There were 3 speakers during the day:

John from Simplicity talked about the new patterns and the new products that are heading our way and most importantly had wonderful specials for all of us to enjoy.

Renee Wedell's career in haute couture dressmaking was amazing to listen to and to find out that she made clothes for Audrey Hepburn and other famous people during this time was amazing. Renee showed us some of her beautiful work.

Jodie Carlton once again had us in stitches and her cute toys were passed around for us all to admire her skills.


I was a very restrained and didn't purchase any fabric from Chic Fabrique who came along for the day or any patterns, but I was tempted by the Burda Tissue Paper at $5 per pack.

We were also given a lucky door ticket as we arrived and I was lucky enough to win a packet of fabric which consisted of:

* 1.5 metres of Martin & Savage Gold viscose polyester
* 1.5 metres of Martin & Savage Crush Gold viscose polyester



I do have a formal dinner to go to next month which this fabric would be perfect for (once I worked out what pattern to use LOL), but not sure if I have enough hours in the day to get it done.

Working with animals..

So today is the last Friday of June and our final mini challenge was to be photographed with an animal. This is where the fun started, Roscoe usually just wanders into the photo and behaves himself.

This didn't happen today because I called him to me for the photo and as far as Roscoe is concerned, if you call him and are in the backyard then that means you are going to play with him, so I gave up trying to get him to sit and this is the best pose we could get.




Dress: M5433 Shirtmaker in rust linen (blogged here)
Cardigan: The well worn Simplicity 2603 in brown merino wool.
Accessory: Purchased belt, necklace and earrings.
Boots: Nine West

This is another one of my summer dresses, that I have been able to layer and wear quite comfortably all day.

What size is that Jacket in the Window

The other week on my way to the Bank I walked past the local St Vincents and just had to go in and try on the jacket that they had displayed in the window. It has now been dry cleaned and here is its debut.



Top: BWOF 02-2009-108 in coffee jersey which you say on Day 18.
Skirt: Self drafted skirt in a green/cream tweed polyester (blogged here)
Jacket: Thrifted Barometer Tweed Jacket
Accessory: Necklace made by a friend which you saw on Day 1.
Boots: Nine West

I don't have a jacket in this colour so I will be very interested to see how versatile it is with the other pieces in my wardrobe.

Oh no late for work!

This morning was a challenge as I was very conscious of not having the same look if I am sitting at my desk. So this has highlighted that I need to make more tops that will go with the Burgundy Leather Jacket or my Chanel Jacket when I am wearing my black trousers. Please don't suggest I get a black jacket, that colour is no good next to my face unless I want to be asked all day if I am feeling okay .

So this morning was a challenge. I tried a number of tops and jackets and it was either too 80's (wide shoulder pads and before I knew about fit) or a huge contrast that I wasn't comfortable with.

So this is what I managed to put together this morning.


Trouser: Vogue 9537 (again) in a black medium weight wool made in 2008 which you saw on Day 8.
Jumper/Sweater: Red Wool Jumper purchased from Jigsaw which you saw on Day 10.
Cardigan: Me-Made knitted Shawl Collar Jacket in Touch Possum Yarn which you saw on Day 16.
Accessory: Purchased necklace during a visit to Fiji and earrings from Brisbane Airport.
Shoes: Black C21 Courtney

I did ask DH to take a photo of the back of the trousers, somehow he managed to get Roscoe right in the middle of the picture, not what I was wanting.

Day of repeats with a difference ...

You have seen all of these pieces before, so today I have combined them for a different look.



Top: Vogue 8572 in chartreuse linen/Polyester/Rayon blend which you saw on Day 7.
Skirt: Vogue 7937 in dark brown wool crepe which you saw on Day 10.
Cardigan: Simplicity 2603 in brown merino wool, the length is between the short and long versions and you have seen it too many times to list :)
Accessory: Me-made crocheted necklace (yes also too many times) and purchased earrings.
Boots: Nine West


PS: I have updated yesterday's post with photos of KS 3740 without the cardigan.

MMJ Day 20

Finally wearing my 2nd new top today to work.



Top: Kwik.Sew 3740 in coffee/grey/cream knit from Joann's (blogged here)
Skirt: McCall's 7244 in a grey wool flannel made in 2007 you saw on Day 6.
Cardigan: Simplicity 2603 in brown mercury jersey, short version (blogged here)
Accessory: Purchased earrings and necklace.
Boots: Nine West

Yes, I am wearing my thermals again and it looks like I missed some weeds :)

Updated 21/06/11

I forgot to add the photos of the top without the cardigan, so here they are:



and back view with Roscoe wanting to know why I'm not playing with him.

Back to reality

I did have high hopes on starting the serious sewing for my cargo pants, then reality hit, the cupboards are pretty bare, so I went grocery shopping.



Top: Vogue 8151 in giraffe spotted knit (blogged here)
Jeans: 550 Levis.
Vest: Purchased Vest in 2009.
Accessory: Purchased belt and earrings.
Boots: Betts 2 Buckles.

When I got home, I changed into this to help DH in the back yard, where it was nice and warm (well 18c) and no wind. I did the weeding, whilst DH trimmed the hedge and those weeds next to my feet in the first photo are now gone.



Top: Vogue 8151 in grey rayon knit (blogged here)
Jeans: Old fraying 550 Levis.
Accessory: Purchased gardening gloves.
Shoes: Puma sneakers.

It wasn't until I wrote this post that it dawned on me that both tops are from the same pattern.

Roscoe was keen for a play and this is what I managed whilst mucking around with the camera, Frisbee action.

Ahh sewing ...

Today I attended the ASG Group that is at Rhodes and we were lucky enough to have Angie Zimmerman join us for a workshop on Cargo Pants. I will share more about that later.



Top: BWOF 02-2009-108 in coffee jersey (blogged here)
Jeans: Levis 550
Cardigan: Simplicity 2603 in brown merino wool which you have seen on Days 4, 11 and 13.
Accessory: Me-Made crocheted necklace, which you have seen on Days 11, 13 and 15 and necessary measuring tape.
Boots: Betts 2 Buckles

By the time I left I had run the cargo pants up with the chain stitch on my coverstitch machine and Angie had given them an additional fit and thankfully had transferred the changes to my pattern for me.

Now I need to leave the laptop alone and get back into the sewing room.

Wow it is Friday already, how I love short work weeks.

The challenge for today is for a picture with your loved one so here we are:



Top: Vogue 8572 in yellow which you saw on Day 1.

Skirt: McCall's 7244 in a multi flecked fabric of unknown content, purchased at Kerryn's Fabric World, fully lined using Sun Silky and made too many years ago to remember. The colours in this skirt allows me to wear orange and purple tops (I only have summer versions so don't think you will get to see them this time) as well.

Jacket: Jalie Jean Jacket 2320 in a lightweight brown denim purchased during my travels in China. This jacket was made in 2008 and has Hong Kong finishes on all seams.

Accessory: Silk scarf purchased in China.

Shoes: Dianna Ferrari

DH is wearing all purchased items and still has to get ready to go to work.

Roscoe is wearing his own styled fur coat and insists on being involved.

MMJ Day 16

Today the boss is taking some clients and I out to lunch, so I thought I would try this outfit.



Dress: Vogue 8280 in aubergine wool gabardine (blogged here)
Cardigan: Me-Made knitted Shawl Collar Jacket in Touch Possum Yarn (blogged here)
Accessory: Me-Made Necklace and earrings which you saw on Day 3 and 6 and Me-Made belt.
Boots: Nine West

Even though the dress is sleeveless, the Shawl Collar Jacket is very warm so I was very comfortable all day.

MMJ Day 15

This suit was the main reason I elected to wear "One Made-Me Garment" as I love to wear it, but can only put a top with it.



Top: Simplicity 2603 with long sleeves that you saw on Day 3 and 13.
Skirt: Custom made in China in 2008 in a pale taupe colour with darker flecks wool, fully lined.
Jacket: Custom made in China in 2008 in a pale taupe colour with darker flecks wool, fully lined.
Accessory: Me-Made crocheted necklace that has been worn frequently ove the last few day.
Boots: Nine West

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the jacket buttoned up, as the collar is the main feature.

Not sure what I was thinking when DH took these photos but I look far far away.

MMJ Day 14

Well back at work and it was a bit hectic this morning, not organised at all.



Blouse: Marfy 2254 blouse from Day 9.
Trouser: Custom made trousers from Day 1
Jacket: Chanel Style jacket from Day 9
Boots: Nine West Boots

I really need to rethink this outfit, it is identical from Day 9 if I am sitting at my desk, so back to the drawing board with this one.

Sue, here is a closer look at the crocheted necklace I wore on the weekend.

Weekend Away

We are home from our weekend away and limited internet access, so I am sharing what I have worn for the last 4 days (10 - 13 June inclusive).

Friday was another challenge day where we had to be "on some form of transport". Due to my location and hours I work I drive to work, so this is the best I could do for this challenge.


Jumper/Sweater: Red Wool Jumper purchased from Jigsaw.
Skirt: Vogue 7937 in dark brown wool crepe (blogged here)
Jacket: McCall's 3750 in the same dark brown wool crepe made in 2003.
Accessory: Silk scarf from China
Shoes: Circa Joan & David purchased during my USA trip this year.


Saturday saw us in the snow fields and DH dutifully took my photo for me with some snow in the background to later realise that night that the memory card was not in the Canon camera so a picture on the bed in our room with the small Olympus was the best we could do.


Top: Cream t-shirt purchased
Skirt: Self drafted skirt in brown/coffee/coral linen (blogged here)
Cardigan: Simplicity 2603 in brown merino wool which you saw on Day 4.
Accessory: Me-Made crocheted necklace


Sunday was a day of complete relaxation for me until we had to start getting organised for the Group BBQ that night and of course the photo was the last thing we thought of.


Top: Kwik.Sew 3740 in blue/brown tie die knit from Spotlight (blogged here)
Jeans: Levi 553
Accessory: Me-Made necklace and earrings which you saw on Day 5.

Monday it is time for the long drive home, but first let's see if we can find an ugly background (another challenge from the group). This was around 10am this morning and it was a chilly 4 degrees Celsius.


Top: Simplicity 2603 top with sleeves in brown merino wool which you saw on Day 3.
Skirt: Self drafted skirt in brown/coffee/coral linen again.
Cardigan: Simplicity 2603 in brown merino wool again.
Coat McCall's 8522 in aubergine cashmere wool, fully fused, interlined with flannelette and lined with Sun Silky made too many years ago to remember.
Accessory: Me-Made crocheted necklace
Boots: Betts Boots

Is shattered too strong a word ...

I reached into my closest pulled out my skirt and put it on, then again for my blouse, did up the buttons and then bent over to get my shoes, oh no (the polite version), over to the mirror and this is what I saw.



I'm at a loss as to what happened.

This blouse has been toiled, and had a test fitting again before I cut out the silk where we did some minor adjustments to the sleeve depth, that is all. After I put in the sleeves it did feel a bit snug, but then the blouse I am wearing today, feels the same. I even checked the centre back seam and armholes to see if any of the stitching is strained, but I can't see any.

DH's comment was that I could make another, true but no more silk in the stash so do you think that he has given me permission to purchase some, sounds like it to me.

So this is what I wore to work instead:



Blouse: Marfy 2254 (blogged here)
Skirt: Self Drafted Skirt in brown linen, interlined (to help stop the wrinkles) and lined in Sun Silky
Jacket: Purchased Chanel style jacket in brown, tan and lemon tweed
Shoes: Diana Ferrari

We are heading south for the long weekend and I'm not sure I will have Internet connection so you may not see me until Tuesday.

Have a great long weekend (sorry WA but enjoy your weekend as well) and be safe on the roads.

More Trousers

Today is forecast to be one of the coldest days so far this year in Sydney and I am not taking any chances as we are also going out tonight straight after work and I don't want to get cold.



Jumper/Sweater: Purchased from Country Road in Oyster colour.
Trouser: Vogue 9537 (again) in a black medium weight wool made in 2008.
Jacket: Leather jacket (again)
Accessory: Scarf in plums/pinks/greys and Me-Made earrings
Boots: Nine West

I did take a photo of the back this morning as well, but the boots are catching on the leg again, don't worry I will show you how it looks as soon as I wear any pair of these pants without boots.

MMJ Day 7

Today I'm wearing one of my short sleeve tops to work in my cold office.



Top: Vogue 8572 in chartreuse linen/Polyester/Rayon blend (blogged here)
Trouser: Vogue 9537 in brown fine wool and fully lined with Sunsilky made in 2006. This is the same fabric as my skirt on Day 2.
Jacket: Vogue 7975 (again)
Accessory: Diva
Boots: Nine West

I find with my jacket on all day (yes I can drive, type and file in this jacket) I am very comfortable and usually only need a singlet as well (am I showing my age) to make my day very comfortable.

The trousers have been worn for a few hours in this photo so all those lovely creases are due to sitting, but I hope the vertical pulls on the leg is from the boots catching the trousers, will need to look at this. I have used this pattern for all my trousers you will see and as my body shape has changed, they are starting to look not as good (from the back, but a lot lot better than RTW) as I would like them to.

I have a pattern from a Wild Ginger ready for me to cut out a toile and see how they go as my results on my previous attempt showed me that I need to do a bit more work.

However I still need to make a few more tops.

MMJ Day 6

Well it is back to work after a very sewing based weekend.

My office is in a heritage building so there is no air conditioning and the only heating we have is gas heaters that take up to 3 days to heat up the sandstone so my usual outfit for Monday at least is trousers.

What no trousers available, um how am I going to keep warm. Out to the back room and raided the ski bag and pulled out my thermals leggings. These are under the black tights and I have been very comfortable all day.



Top: Diana Ferrari burgundy top purchased in 2009
Skirt: McCall's 7244 in a grey wool flannel made in 2007
Jacket/Cardigan: Purchased Burgundy leather jacket
Accessory: Me-Made jewellery
Boots: Nine West

The beauty of TNT's

As I mentioned yesterday I finished two tops.

The first is BWOF 02-2009-108 which I first made here and was another garment that was supposed to go the USA with me.

So during last week, I had stabilised the shoulders, turned and cover stitched the neck edges, sewed the shoulder seams and pinned in the sleeves. It didn't take long to get this to the hemming stage on Saturday.

I didn't take my cover stitch machine to the Guild Meeting so the hems were left until I got home.

Even though I have made this before I hadn't realised the fit issues and when I make it again (yes I love the style) I will adjust the shoulder width and add more depth to the armholes.

The second is Kwik Sew 3740 which I first made here and this top gets worn a lot, I just love it.

This fabric I purchased from Joann's during my trip to the USA this year, and it is the 3rd piece of fabric from the right on the bottom row. What you can't see is the large circles that are on this fabric. This took a bit of careful cutting and I hope I am happy with the placement when I finally wear this top.

The beauty of this top is that I cut it out on Saturday morning while I was waiting for my sewing buddy to arrive so we could travel together. I will admit that trying to pin the cowl on at 2pm in the afternoon is not a good idea, however with my sewing buddies giving that small tip, it suddenly became very clear. This top was also finished up to hemming stage by the time we left on Saturday.

So tonight after dinner (confession time, I fell asleep on the lounge last night) I pressed and glued the hems in place and then cover stitched them in place.



My apologies for the hanger shot, however it won't be long before you see them being worn in Me-Made-June.

MMJ Day 5

What happens when a bunch of sewing ladies get together, they organise to meet up the next day and visit the Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW and see the exhibition "Style, Scissors and a Fantasy: the Alina Galasso retrospective". *

Alina Galasso played an important role in introducing European fabrics to the Australian fashion market through her company, Fabric Fantasy.

We all remembered visiting Fabric Fantasy in Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, it is where Tessuti is located today.

So this morning we met at The TAFE to admire the beautiful garments that were made for Alina Galasso and others from the fabrics that Alina had imported to Australia which were amazing.

Photo taken by another sewing buddy

Top: Simplicity 2603 in brown mercury jersey (blogged here)
Jeans: Levi 550
Jacket: Vogue 7975 in brown and blue tweed (blogged here)
Accessory: Belt borrowed from DH and Made-by-Me jewellery
Boots: Betts 2 buckles

This is my 2nd piece of jewellery that I did at the beading course, and the colours where chosen to work with the tops that I took away to the USA in February this year.


When I got home I changed my top to McCall's 9080 in a grey stable knit which I made too many years ago to remember.


*This exhibition is on from 3-10 June 2011.

MMJ Day 4

Today I attended the ASG Group that is held at The Remnant Warehouse in Alexandria and this photo was taken outside the shop by my sewing buddy.



Top: Jalie 2921 in brown/coffee circle knit (blogged here)
Skirt: BWOF 04-2009-101 in salt and pepper fine corduroy (blogged here)
Cardigan: Simplicity 2603 in brown merino wool (blogged here)
Boots: Betts 2 buckle boots.

It was a very successful day of sewing with 2 knit tops only needing their hems done and I plan on doing those tonight.

MMJ Day 3

Claudine one of the participants from Me-Made-June has suggested that each Friday we all have our pictures taken doing the same thing, so today we are all spinning.

When this was first mentioned, I knew I didn't have a full winter skirt made by me, then realised I had purchased one with a co-ordinating top from Diana Ferrari which is one of my usual combination of garments. So seeing I couldn't wear them together, it took a little while standing in front of the wardrobe, for this outfit to appear.



Top: Simplicity 2603 top with sleeves added (blogged here) in a brown merino wool
Skirt: Diana Ferrari purchased in 2009
Accessories: Necklace and earrings Made-by-Me this year: belt purchased from Diana Ferrari.
Boots: Betts 2 Buckles in brown leather.

Wish the fence would stopped moving


This year I signed up for a beading course and have made a few pieces in class and need to get organised to make a few more at home. This was my first class which consisted of a necklace, earrings and bracelet (the necklace was too long so a bonus bracelet) and it is what I am wearing in the above photos.


Today was the first day that I had to really think about mixing up the usual combination of my outfits and I am very happy with the outcome.

MMJ Day 2

There are some amazing members in the Me-Made-June Flicker Group who I'm sure will give me plenty of inspiration for future sewing, I have already noted one pattern for purchase

So here is my outfit for Day 2 and I have managed 2 self-stitched pieces today:


Blouse/Top: Butterick 3344 (Blogged here)
Skirt: Vogue 7937 View C, made 2006
Boots: Nine West, purchased in the USA
Accessory: Flat white by DH

Here is the back view, so you can see the pleats which is the main feature of this skirt (and I stood still so a pat is expected).



Maybe I should find where I have put the Shawl Collar jacket that is 3/4 made and finish it as it matches this skirt and the pants that I showed you yesterday.

Me-Made-June - Day 1

Thinking about Me-Made-June has made me realise a couple of things:

1. I do wear a self made garment pretty much every day, and
2. I don't have a large wardrobe and really can't justify having a huge amount of clothing.

So this has created an additional challenge for me, instead of picking out the usual combination of garments, I am hoping to style these garments differently so you don't see the exact same outfit during the month of June fingers crossed.

Now to get the ball rolling.

For a change today is quite mild, 19c at 7.30am, but I don't expect it to get much warmer as the day progresses.



Blouse/Top: Vogue 8572 (OOP)

Trouser: Custom made for me whilst in China in 2008.

Accessory: Made by a friend for the June Capsule Contest at Stitchers Guild

Shoes Diana Ferrari