the night-dress

So, of the whole week's challenge, I guess I was the only one to slip after day two. {Remember day one was where I didn't actually do any sewing; tidied the room up instead - which really means shuffling fabric from pile to pile}.

I just realised that I haven't even shown you the completed night dress. The one and only item of clothing made during the whole challenge week. Oh well, I suppose one is better than none. More than I thought would end up happening. 

Of course, being called a night dress doesn't mean she actually wears it as a night dress. She currently has it on right now, in the middle of the day. At least she's wearing it. She often puts it on after her night time shower, but takes it off before she hops into bed. 

Anyway, here it is. Being modeled in all it's glory. Night time photos, sorry about lighting. But lovely enough anyway. 

Notes on the sewing and pattern:: I do really like this dress. It's a bit big for her, I used the size 100cm (she measures at 96cm, so I guess those 4cm do make a big difference). But it's the style of dress that doesn't matter if it's too big. Very easy for her to slip on - forwards, backwards, doesn't matter. 

I really like the neckline features - little pintucks at the front, with contrast bias binding. And an elasticated neckline around the back. The sleeves are a great length (maybe not for real Winter warmth, but would be perfect for a Spring / Summer dress) and shape. 

And for someone scared of learning how to properly inset sleeves - these ones are so easy to sew in. 

Even though the pattern is written entirely in Japanese, it really is super easy to follow.

I'll be making some more of these, for sure. I think next time I'll put a scrunch on elastic across the back section, to pull it slightly in at the waist. Or even narrow out the dress so it's not as roomy.

*She had just washed her hair - still drying. And for some reason started laughing crazily, happily. And the kids all posed for me, without any silly faces.

my first Japanese pattern sewing - Happy Homemade Vol 2

It's day two of the challenge. Yesterday was spent tidying my sewing room - a very important job, I tell you, after the market rush. Still need to finish up arranging the little play corner for Mishi. So no sewing. 

But today, some lovely sewing time. So close to a finished item - I will have to show it to you tomorrow, as it still needs the bottom and sleeves hemmed. I was hoping she could wear it for bed tonight - perhaps I'll sneak back downstairs after dinner, while Sam showers them and stitch up the last few bits. Or perhaps she could wear it to bed unhemmed. Would that be so terrible. I think not. 

{Don't you love the details of these end papers - so sweet}

This is the first time I've actually made anything from one of my many Japanese craft books. I normally just spend time looking and oogling over the delicious styling. With thanks to the challenge, I've changed all that. And let me tell you - I cannot read a single character, but it is all so clear and easy.

I would suggest for a complete beginner perhaps it's a few steps too hard, but for anyone that has a basic understanding of sewing and pattern construction then you'll have no issues at all. The diagrams are so clear and concise, easy to understand and interpret. At one stage I double checked myself as the front + back did look almost similar. So, I looked at the characters in the book and the patterns sheet, and just like reading a puzzle it made perfect sense. 

{Jacqui has a great little tutorial for using Japanese pattern books}

I used regular baking paper for tracing the pattern. As I don't have Swedish Tracing Paper (which I hear of often, while around blogland, and just found available here).

The fabric is a lovely and soft, though not too thick, flannelette. It has little flowers and red dots. 

The pattern is from one of the books on this pile the other day. "Happy Homemade Vol 2 Everyday Clothes for Kids". It is such an excellent book - with both girl + boy patterns that are versatile and practical and super cute. The thing I really love about Japanese pattern books is the styling - of course, don't you too! The clean lines mean that imagining the designs in other fabrics is really easy, and adding extra details would be very doable as well. 

These is dress 'E' (on the left below), which I am making as a nightie.  It has little pintucks (you remember my love of), and binding details at the neckline. The real challenge now is if Miss Fusspot will actually wear it for longer than 3 seconds. So far she seems to like it.

There are so many sweet little pieces in here that I want to make for both my kids (ummm..... for me too - have a look at this purple ruffle top).

 ***I've also just found someone else who is using this book for the challenge.