The Original Iris

In my last post I promised you close up details of my Lisette Twill Iris Shorts....... This is not that post!!!! However, this post does include at least 1 close up of some Iris shorts.....

These ones.

Wearable Muslin- Iris Shorts 1022 Colette Patterns 

These were made approximately 2 months ago before I got side tracked by my health. 

I picked up this polyester (?) fabric on an outing in April with my sewing class, it was cheap at $4.00 a metre and I fell in love with the colour. I ended up buying 3m of this and 3m of the same in ivory. 

I made a size 10 which turned out perfect. They sit just where I like them on my hips with plenty of room to jump in puddles if the mood strikes me. I used a continuous lapped zipper (a quick method taught by my sewing teacher) instead of an invisible one. For this muslin I made the length as per the pattern, unlike my second pair the Lisette Twill shorts in which I added an extra 2 inches. After wearing both I think I actually prefer the shorter of the two, they seem to be more flattering (despite my hang ups about showing my legs). All in all i really love this pattern, it is quick and easy to sew up, you can make them dressy or casual (fun summer colours here I come). 

 If I had any suggestions for improving the pattern it would only be this ...... if you follow the instructions regarding placement of lining fabric for the pockets as shown here.....

And your fabric is somewhat see through, it means that the lining fabric will show through. Of course it is easily solved by simply reversing the placement as shown below (although the photo has been taken from the wearers perspective).

I hope all that made sense. If not leave me a comment and I will try to clarify. Of course it is not a pattern fault but rather something to be aware of when choosing fabric or deciding if you should underline.

Also the pattern savvy seamstress will have noticed my Iris shorts are modelled with the lovely Renfrew Top, made some time ago and still going strong.

Sorry no close ups of the facing details or the insides of the shorts, but I am now back at work (having started my new job) and it is taking some time to adjust to the change in hours. I will let you know how it goes when I decide if I like it or not! My husband is credited (again) with all the above photos except the Lisette Twill shorts (which was taken by yours truly). He very kindly took them yesterday before I ran out to my sewing class in which my sewing teacher helped me hem my new jeans and fix a fly issue I was having with my Thurlow shorts which will hopefully be finished by the end of this coming weekend.

Thurlow Shorts On The Cutting Table

Photo Credit: Darren M

Next up in my sewing queue are Thurlow Shorts 1203 by Sewaholic Patterns.
This one lives up to it's reputation of "The Pattern of Many Pieces" (ooh ok, I just made that up). I HATE tracing patterns, I procrastinate, I mope and sook- basically anything to avoid the act of tracing out a pattern. I hate cutting fabric out too, but not quite as much because I at least I feel like I have started, whereas tracing doesn't feel like I have made any headway at all.

Photo Credit: Darren M

But folks the good news is, I have completed tracing AND cutting on this baby, she is all ready to be magicked into the aforementioned wonderful.

I have chosen a cotton sateen (I think) for the main fabric in a grey and a whimsical poly for the lining.
I didn't realize until I cut the waistband facings, that my print will be sideways as it is a directional print. Not nearly as cute as I had planned. Also, the sateen has a small amount of stretch so I hope that will not be a problem for the overall fit.

I have decided to make the Thurlow Shorts the standard length without the cuffs, even though I think a second time round will see me make them 2 inches longer. I have also decided to omit the welt pockets in the back as I haven't made welt pockets before and know mine will turn out crap. I am not scared to try new things but I would like these shorts to be publicly wearable as I am trying to build my summer wardrobe since I am desperately short of clothes that fit (sigh).
As I am off for a little bike ride tomorrow, I am not sure when I will have these finished.

Till then...

P.S If you like my pattern weights and are interested, I was inspired by this tutorial. They have been finished for about a year now and no issues with rust.

A Shock, a Holiday and some Lovely Iris Shorts (Warning long post)!!!

Photo credit: Darren M

Howdy strangers.... it has been awhile. This is me in case you have forgotten what I look like... I have been absent for a good reason I promise. I have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after loosing feeling from my left shoulder down to the tips of my fingers on my left hand, this is my second flare up. The first being a case of Optical Neuritis 4 years ago, so 2 episodes and an MRI have confirmed that "Yes" I do have MS. It has taken a while for me to be "Ok" with this, during that time socialising and blogging  haven't been my thing. But hey, life goes on, things could be worse ......

Did I tell you that during the above period, I lost my job??? Unfortunately, the lease ran out at my place of employment and it was decided not to renew. Which was a shame, everyone was so lovely and supportive of me during such a difficult time and were generally just really lovely, funny people to work with. I did manage to get a new job, doing something different, which I am excited about. I haven't started yet.. my husband and I are having 2 lovely weeks holiday together (I think we have earned them).

During the first week we went South to Batemans Bay (that's in Australia folks), my Husband and I had our honeymoon here 2 years ago, so it was a bit like being lucky and having a second one.

It was so lovely to be by the coast, away from the cities, the people, the rush. To breathe fresh air and slow down.... enjoy every moment.

Photo Credit: Darren M

The first full day we took a walk around Broulee Island. Stopping to take in the views, visit the light house and explore the WW2 bunker.

Photo Credit: Darren M

Photo Credit: Darren M

(Strange little) Light House 

A school of fish going crazy....... where is my fishing rod??

World War 2 bunker

Bunker from outside

The next day ..... more coastline and a storm ravaged bay.

A late lunch included a surprise pod of dolphins.... One can be seen here (if you put your glasses on) showing the surfers how it is done.

Photo Credit: Darren M

On the last day we checked out early in the morning and headed home, via Berry. That is for Antique shops, a sewing shop and everything your heart desires (ahh, well probably not if your my husband). I scored vintage patterns, 3x Australian Home Journals from the 50's, a horse (plastic, sorry) and a new sewing case (from a children's toy shop). I nearly exploded!!!!! Oh me! oh my!

We are now back home enjoying the last week before returning to the workforce. I am spending part of that time cataloguing my fabric collection (I had no idea it was so big), I will post about that later this week.

Now to the last part of my post (yes, you have been patient) my Iris shorts.
This is actually my third pair that I have made. The first the horror red denim see here to relive. The second I have not posted about but they were made during the last few months, I will take some photos and post up with some more detailed shots of these ones and a proper review asap.

I made a size 10 (sigh) and lengthened them by 2 inches (I am not a fan of my legs). The invisible zipper was replaced by a lapped one as my sewing machine does not have an invisible zipper foot option. I have only just discovered the generic Brother invisible zipper foot fits my machine and haven't had the time to add it to my collection yet.
The fabric is a twill from the 2012 Lisette Spring Collection for Spotlight and Jo-Ann stores,  you can find the rest of the collection details here.

Photo Credit: Darren M

I used a quilting cotton for the facings and pockets. Michael Miller Eiffel Tower in Turquoise.

This is what the view looks like if you are wearing them

Before I go, I would just like to say......

A BIG THANK YOU to my wonderful husband for being so supportive and loving, and for cooking, cleaning and generally doing EVERYTHING for a while there. Thanks for a great holiday too, I had a wonderful time.

Said wonderful husband, Darren xx

I promise not to leave it so long before I post again. Thanks for checking in on me xx