Saturday 31 August 2013

Exploding Tiramisu - Sew Weekly Reunion 2013

On the last minute ... as was the case with most of my Sew Weekly creations!  I first found out about Sew Weekly through a  British sewing magazine.  I sewed 50 projects during 2011 - these were some of my favourites:


It did become difficult towards the end of that year and I 'only' sewed 12 garments, averaging one per month in 2012.  This year, I've 'only' done 4 projects - one is part worked and 'Exploding Tiramisu' is the fourth.



The Facts

Fabric:  'Explosion' from Croft Mill, UK
Pattern and Year:  'Tiramisu' from Cake Patterns 2013
Pantone Challenge Colours:  All of them!
Time to Complete:  Lots of bits of evenings in August - it's all hand sewn with false French seams inside
Cost:  Fabric approx £20 (justified as something special for the reunion).  Pattern free - I won it!
First Worn:  In these photos - amongst the garden flowers.
Wear Again:  Yes, definitely, for something special

This is made on the bias, from a satiny stuff with lots of  'give'.  The pattern recommends a knit, but it's possible to make it from ordinary fabric.  It goes on easily, straight over the head with no zip involved - perfect for a fabric like this. The only modifications I've made are to make thinner bindings on the sleeve edges and crossover at the front and to miss out the pockets as it give a better 'line' in this fabric.  I've done what  some of the other contributors have, in that I've chosen a print with most of the Pantone colours in it.  I love the vibrancy of it and it demanded a special 'twirl' to show it off ...


I won the pattern from a competition run by Dresses & Me in New Zealand.  After Sew Weekly finished, I did 'tread water' for a while, wondering what to do ...  I found other sewing blogs and kept in touch with those I'd 'met' on Sew Weekly.  That's how I found out about the pattern competition.


I have been sent a gorgeous swap package from Loran in California, but I'd already started the dress and I'm looking forward to using the things she's sent in a future project.



Sewing gives me a creative outlet and I've embarked on a journey ... I like to think I'm getting better at blogging now ... I wouldn't have started one if it hadn't been for Sew Weekly.  I always keep a camera with me and find I actively keep up with exhibitions and happenings in the creative world.  I've been out and about a lot this year and made some great additions to my 'stash' of fabric!  I'm also well on the way with my knitting qualification and I've just finished designing my first piece, with about a third of the course left to do. Future sewing plans will be as and when I want really, though I've just joined The Monthly Stitch Collective so that I can keep in touch with other bloggers.  I look forward to everyone elses creations for the Reunion and seeing some familiar faces once again!

21 comments:

  1. That's a very pretty dress, Diane. It really is an explosion of color. The pattern is very flattering and the fabric works really well with it. Love that you don't need a zipper, don't you?

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    1. It's such a great pattern Barbara and flattering for everyone I reckon.

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  2. Lovely dress ! The twirl,factor is one of the things I love about the Tiramasu :)

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  3. Gorgeous! I absolutely love that fabric, and the Tiramisu is a great pattern isn't it.

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  4. Your dress is so delightful:) I use the french seam lots but have actually not heard of a false french seam. Just did a search and found out, learning new sewing stuff all the time:)

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    1. It's a great technique, perfect for sitting in front of the tv with!

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  5. Oh my, your fabric is just beautiful!! The dress looks great on you, as well. I used Vivacious as my colour choice for my cape and I can see that colour in your dress, as well.

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    1. Thanks so much! I got the last of this fabric and only just managed to squeeze the dress out of it!

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  6. wooooooonderful colors!!! this dress is made of fun, just like you. i'm so glad we met through the sew weekly, you always bring smiles.

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    1. Thanks so much Oona. I'm always really flattered to get comments from such a stylish lady!

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  7. Fabulous dress! I love the fabric you've used, so bright and cheerful, just like you. ;-)

    Looking forward to seeing your Monthly Stitch creations! :-)

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  8. Very, very pretty! I love the fact that you used ALL the colors : ) Have fun with the "stuff" and yes, we most certainly must keep in touch.

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    1. Will do Loran! Already know what I'm going to use the belt buckle for ...

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  9. Fabulous dress! What a wonderful project! I see you enjoy blogging...:-)

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