A Shirt Fit For a Taco Warrior

A while a go I made this shirt for Mr Needles, which we've named 'The Yoko', after the name found on the selvedge of the fabric: 

He really, REALLY loves this shirt...

Like many seamstresses, I'm never 100% happy with my work, and this is no exception. The arms are a bit snug on him, and I wanted another go at this style to get it right. Then I saw this fabric while pottering around on-line:

'Loteria' by Robert Kaufman

Unlike myself - I'm all about the science - Mr Needles loves tarot, numerology, reading about spells and all things mystical, so I figured this Mexican Lottery print fabric would be perfect for him. I ordered a couple of meters from the lovely people at Fondant Fabrics - great, speedy service! - and got sewing.

A whole shirt in this pattern was going to be a bit too much, so like the Yoko shirt, I decided to break it up with the some solid black on the collar, sleeve cuffs, yoke and pocket. After a few adjustments to the arm scye and sleeve, I got sewing, and here it is:

I finished it just in time for Mr Needles to wear it to Taco Wars a few weekends ago where we sampled 8 amazing tacos, quaffed a few margaritas and tequilas, and voted for the best taco:

Taco War voting card

Good eatin'

Here's a few details:

The collar, yoke and the pocket were in plain black cotton:

Breast pocket

Collar

Yoke

For the sides and arms, I used run and fell seams for strength and neatness:

Run and fell side seam and split at hem

Inside run and fell seam

And that's it! I'll leave you with a picture of Mr Needles hard at work, trying to beat the tacos:

See you soon!

Minerva Bloggers Network - Vogue 8721 Shrug Jacket

Time for April's Minerva Project! This time inspiration comes from the shapes and techniques of Balenciaga and Givenchy in the 50's and 60's. They molded and draped fabric around the body in such a way as to completely transform the silhouette, commonly making the garment stand away from the body in round shapes. 

Givenchy coat

Balenciaga Egg coat, 1960

Balenciaga evening dress, 1960's

That's why Vogue 8721 caught my eye:

Here's my red version, made from a mid weight red twill, with a matching red lining:

This was a really interesting piece to make. It's just 2 large pieces with a seam at the centre back that then join with a horizontal seam at the front. Shaping is added with darts around the neck and at the waist.

 

Openings in the front seam work as armholes:

Arm openings with lining handstitched around edges

The whole piece has facings and a lining:

Can you see all of the understitching around the edges? What a pain!!!! Don't get me wrong - understitching is great, but this was difficult because you have to squeeze in through the arm openings. And then the lining gets caught underneath, and you have to un-pick it, and it gets REALLY frustrating. I ended up being unconventional and doing it from the wrong side.

But to counteract the annoying understitching, there are these lovely covered buttons!

Covered buttons - I'm gonna put them on everything!

This was a pretty quick and easy piece to make, so much so that I'm probably going to make a few versions for work and for summer as alternatives to the ubiquitous cardigan. Don't forget, you can get everything you need for this project at Minerva.

See you soon!

Minerva Crafts Meet Up - Will You Be There?

Have you heard? Minerva's holding a big meet-up to celebrate their success at the British Sewing Awards. As well as great workshops and talks, the members of its Blogger Network will be there, and since I'm one of those bloggers - I'll be there!

Click here for details

I'll be in great company, with the likes of Jo, Clare, Kathryn, Emmie, Marie, Amy, Rachel and many more (sorry if I forgot anyone), just hanging out and spreading good sewing vibes! There'll also be talks and workshops with great people like the By Hand London gang.

And you get to experience the goodness that is Minerva.

Why are you still reading this - you should be booking those train tickets! If you're thinking of attending, let the good people at Minerva know on Facebook or Twitter, using #MinervaCraftsMeetUp.

See you there!

Pattern Pyramid - Winner Announced!

Evening, all! The Pattern Pyramid contest is now closed, and it's time to send this bundle of joy onwards.

Just a small selection of the patterns

 The winner is...... Made in my Living Room! Just drop me a line at nicoleneedles@hotmail.co.uk and I'll send this goodness on to you.

Take care and see you soon!