Monday 22 September 2014

A weekend away

Oh, it's been more like winter than spring here lately. In the weekend we traveled 4 hours each way to Napier to attend a family wedding.  Thankfully I bought my latest knitting which helped the time pass.  It was a pretty wedding but unfortunately outside so we were rather frozen by the end.  Sunday dawned brighter so we had a look around the city before traveling home, Napier is such a pretty spot.
We made the most of time with family and got some up to date family photos, Josh wanted one that showed that he is now the tallest!
The wedding was just the push I needed to finish my Bellatrix blazer.  I had previously made a muslin and had started the real version, taking my time trying to get the best finish I could.  Normally I make the medium size but realised as I started sewing I had cut the small.  Thankfully it fits perfectly with just the sleeves being a tiny bit short.  I made the blazer exactly as per the pattern and it was a surprisingly easy make, even the welt pockets went together easily which I think is credit to the great instructions.  The outer fabric is a cotton polyester mix with an embossed pattern and the lining is silk. The cost was about $97.00 which I think is pretty good for a tailored blazer.
I also got a bit carried away and sewed my dress using Simplicity 1803.  The fabric was a summer buy from Spotlight and is a cotton silk blend I got for $21.00.  I made size 14 with some alterations: removed darts from back bodice, added 6" to length and removed fullness from the skirt at the side seams.  I did french seams throughout and used interfacing on the facings, the zip edges and the hems.  This really helped the fabric behave.  I'm not sure about this dress though, I think perhaps it looks a bit young although I do like it with the blazer.
And finally, I have also finished my Myrna cardigan which goes with the dress.  This is a pretty pattern and a quick easy make.  Now I just need some warmer weather.  Wendy xx

20 comments:

  1. well done with your sewing finishes!
    they look beautiful I especially love your blazer, bit worried about the name though. Hope it didn't bring out the bellatrix from Harry potter.

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  2. Hi Wendy! Glad the weather was reasonably good for the bride and groom and well wishers! I was over at the other side of the island, Taranaki and I can tell you I hope no one married over there, mean cold wintery blasts of wind and hail.
    Love your tailored jacket! Gosh you are so clever, you have a real talent for dress making.

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  3. A gorgeous photo of your family Wendy. hugs.....

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  4. Beautiful photos Wendy. Love your dress and blazer...so gorgeous.

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  5. Well done with your beautiful sewing for yourself. Both the dress and blazer are lovely.
    Fabulous new family photo

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  6. Hi Wendy, looks like a pretty wedding!
    Hope you warmed up quickly, lots of new projects, you have been busy!

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  7. The dress is lovely on you,but that jacket is just beautiful.
    Glad you enjoyed the wedding.
    Your family are growing up Wendy.xx

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  8. Beautiful photo's Wendy, I can't see anything wrong with you or you wearing the dress a perfect fit I'd say :) Barb.

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  9. Great photos Wendy - sounds like you had a lovely time in Napier :) We were also in Napier on Saturday for the Magpie rubgy game - not exactly tropical, brrr!

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  10. Hi Wendy, a lovely family photo - yes your son is the tallest now!!! You are sooo clever & talented with your dressmaking, I would never attempt something as tailored as that, it turned out just beautiful & you are getting the fit so perfect now. Congratulations, you looked lovely :-) I do love to visit Napier, havent been for many years now but its a very picturesque city.

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  11. dont you all look wonderful and I do think you are so clever with your clothes and making the alterations..... I had a very quick pass through napier... too quick

    Hugz

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  12. Hi Wendy i love your new dress and it looks great on you and the blazer is perfect and how cute is the the little cardi to go with your dress,you have done an awesome job Wendy and love your family pic,enjoy your day my friend.xx

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  13. Hello Wendy,

    I thought I recognised those buildings.Napier is such a pretty place.Lots of lovely antique shops to explore Congratulations on your sewing, the blazer is amazing and I agree a great price.Josh, congratulations on being the tallest!Also congrats to the newlyweds.

    Happy days.
    Bev.

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  14. Hello Wendy,

    Lovely to discover you and your blog, via the blog hop - I enjoyed seeing your lovely photos.
    Your dress and blazer is fabulous and I am often like you knit on a long car journey.
    We were in Napier a few weeks back, isn't it a lovely City.
    Happy week
    Carolyn

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  15. How lovely to spend time with your family at a lovely wedding. Your lovely clothes sewing and knitting is just lovely - you are very clever Wendy

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  16. Waow Wendy ! you have done a splendid job with all your clothes !!
    And what a beautiful family you are !
    Florence

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  17. This looks beautiful. It fits you like a glove. I've been itching to try a blazer but they scare me a bit. Well done!

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  18. Hello Wendy,

    I tried to post a comment on the blog hop post but blogger wasn't playing fair. Love the ice-creams you made, they look rather delicious. Good luck with the dressmaking.

    Happy days.
    Bev.

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  19. Lovely to see the wedding photos - great motivation to finish some garments - they are gorgeous - and look lovely on you - including the dress!

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  20. Great photos! Amazing how you make all those changes to the pattern and it turns out so lovely!

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