New in Store - 12th July 2015

Inspired by the Aussie-Pacific climate, the Tidepool Collection from Cake Patterns provides an endless summer wardrobe of wearable, re-make-able, uniquely detailed separates.

Left 

Tidepool Urchin Skirt And Shorts RiFF Pattern By Cake Patterns

Middle

Tidepool Janthina Shell Top RiFF Pattern By Cake Patterns

Tidepool Miter Shell Top RiFF Pattern By Cake Patterns

Tidepool Scallop Shell Top RiFF Pattern By Cake Patterns

Right

Tidepool Endeavour Trousers And Shorts RiFF Pattern By Cake Patterns

We are having a mid year clearance over on Facebook today (Sunday 12th July) from 9am - 9pm Brisbane, Australia time.

Pop over to check out the Facebook Sale Album and score yourself a bargain.

Till next week, Happy sewing
- Ky

It's Show Time

It's all stations go here as we prep for next week's Craft & Quilt Fair in Brisbane. We have lots of fabulous new fabrics, including Alexander Henry hunks, pin up girls and zombies and the latest Ghastlies range. All of your favourite bag hardware and new bag patterns from Jen Fox.

Pop over to Stand G11 and say hi:) We are right next to Funky Friends Factory and the Cake Patterns Demo Space.

The showroom will be closed from the 8th October and I will be taking a few days off afterwards so we won't reopen until Thursday 16th October.

Big Craft Gift Box Giveaway
We are participating in the Big Craft Box Giveaway at the show. For every $50 you spend with us you will receive one ticket into the draw to win over $7500 worth of craft/sewing supplies! You can read the full prize details here.

Cake Patterns Sewing Demos
StephC from Cake Patterns will be giving daily demonstrations on a number of handy knit and woven sewing techniques.

Demo Times
9.30am - Knit Hemming
1pm - Buttonholes
2pm - Knit Binding
3pm - Knit Hemming

There is so much more to see and do at the show so be sure to check out the Preview Magazine for more details about classes, workshops, specials and features.

Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair 2014
When: 8-12 October 2014, 9am - 5pm daily
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Website: http://www.craftfair.com.au/wp/Brisbane/

See you at the Show,
Ky

Pattern Test Drive - Red Velvet Dress by Cake Patterns

I really struggled to get my sewing mojo back after the Stitches and Craft Show at the end of March. Over the Easter break I thought it was high time I got may act together and make a Red Velvet Knit Dress. It is made from a stretch velvet dance fabric which I had picked up specially for this dress in November last year when I was in Melbourne. I don't know why but I've always wanted a velvet dress and the burgundy red colour is very lush.

Sizing and Adjustments

The Red Velvet Dress has 6 bodice sizes (from 30" up to 59" full bust) with 4 cup sizes for each. 

Since I never write down or remember them I always start by taking my measurements:

High Bust - 32"

Full Bust - 33"

Waist - 29.5"

Bodice Length - 12.5"

Based on my measurements I cut a 30" bodice with a C cup (I probably could have gone for a B cup but I don't like my clothes to be too tight). The finished length of this piece is marked on the pattern as being 10-1/8". I lengthened the bodice by 2" so that the bottom seam would sit in the correct spot under by bust line (on the underwire of my bra).

2" length added at the lengthen/shorten line marked on the bodice pattern piece. The same adjustment was made on the back piece as well.

The fit straight off the pattern trace was pretty good and only a few adjustments were required while sewing up the dress.
After basting the midriff to the bodice and the side seams I decided that I need to take the bodice/midriff seam up at the centre back by 1/2". I also skimmed in the side seam a little on the skirt to shape it to my hip/thighs.

I'm rather short (5'2") so I had to cut approx. 5" off the bottom of the skirt to get it to finish just above my knees with a 1" hem turnover.

Variations

You have a choice of a scissor or box pleat on the skirt. I'm not a big fan of the scissor pleat so I have gone with the box pleat option.

You can also add in a concealed ticket pocket on the waist seam but I decided to skip this option due to pure laziness :) and lack of an invisible zipper.

Red Velvet Dress teamed with a Cocoa Knit Shrug

Finishing

The stretch velvet can't be ironed onto directly so I made sure to only use a warm iron with a pressing cloth when seams had to be pressed.

I also didn't want any stitch lines visible on the outside of the dress as they would have stood out too much against the pile of the velvet. The hem and neck facing have been hand stitched in place using a dodgy blind hem stitch.

The image on the left shows the machine topstitching I did on the shoulder seam, as you can see it stands out quite strongly (almost looks like piping) but I thought I could get away with it on that section of the dress. The right image show the right and wrong side of the hem sewn up by hand using a blind hem stitch. The stitching is virtually invisible on the right side of the garment.

The finished dress is very comfortable to wear and teamed with a shrug/ cardigan and stockings it is going to be perfect for a Brisbane winter.

- Ky

New in Store - 16th March

As we are busy preparing for the Stitches and Craft Fair we haven't been able to add too much new stock to the web store over the last two weeks. Here are a few new items that we have managed to list quickly.

Top Row

Hollywood Icons Marilyn Monroe Movie Poster Panel by Robert Kaufman

Horrible Harry's Pirate Backpack Pattern by Emily Taylor Design

Cocoa Knit Shrug RiFF Pattern by Cake Patterns

Middle

Satsuki Blossom Black/Red by Robert Kaufman

Bottom Row

Fox and the Houndstooth Dapper Foxes Grey by Robert Kaufman

Fox and the Houndstooth Dapper Foxes Aqua by Robert Kaufman

Satsuki Atmosphere Indigo by Robert Kaufman

We'll be back with new items in two weeks.

- Ky

Riley Blake Road Trip

On Monday I went to visit the warehouse of the Australian Riley Blake distributor. I was joined by Pauline from Funky Friends Factory and Steph from Cake Patterns.  

The warehouse held row upon row of Riley Blake fabric, Pauline was very excited and was ready to take home one of everything, especially the spools of ribbons. 

Like a kid in a candy store :)

Steph was a lot more contained in her excitement but I think she looks a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of fabric.

She was very excited by the Riley Blake range of Jersey Knits, which are a very high quality and great to sew with. Read about Steph's Riley Blake 1" red striped Tiramisu here.

Jersey Knits and Cottons

Lots and Lots of Cotton fabric

Rolls of brightly coloured trims

We got to see advanced yardage of some of the new ranges due out next year as well as behind the scenes at the warehouse where kits are cut and packaged.

The boys cutting and folding quilt kits

We have heaps of exciting new Riley Blake fabric on order for next year, I can't wait to show it all to you :) There are a few items due to go up on the web store this week. Make sure you keep an eye out on our new products page.

- Ky

New Patterns and Fabric in Store This Week - 1st Dec

This week we have added a heap of new dressmaking and bag/purse patterns to our store from Cake Patterns and Sew Serendipity. In addition to the two new Cake patterns we have also restocked all of the old ones.

Top Row

Madeline Maxi Dress Pattern by Sew Serendipity

Madison Wallet Bag Pattern by Sew Serendipity

The Marilyn Dress Pattern by Sew Serendipity

Claire Cami Dress Pattern by Sew Serendipity

Media Frenzy Pattern Book by Sew Serendipity

Middle

Red Velvet Knit Dress Pattern by Cake Patterns

The Bebe Dress Pattern by Sew Serendipity

The Sally Shirtdress Pattern by Sew Serendipity

Bottom Row

Fashion Formula Skirts Volume 3 Pattern Booklet by Sew Serendipity

Camilla Insulated Bag Pattern by Sew Serendipity

Betty June Dress Pattern by Sew Serendipity

The Torii Tunic Pattern by Sew Serendipity

Red Velvet Clutch RiFF Pattern by Cake Patterns

We have also restocked a number of our favourite Alexander Henry prints, including a couple that we haven't had in a while.

Top Row

Zen Charmer Tea Multi by Alexander Henry

The Ghastlies Deadly Mauve by Alexander Henry

A Ghastlie Clover Smoke by Alexander Henry

Middle

Sea Sirens Charcoal by Alexander Henry

Bottom Row

A Ghastlie Clover Mold Green by Alexander Henry

The Ghastlies Smoke by Alexander Henry

Fiesta De San Marcos Midnight by Alexander Henry

The very popular Bohin Mechanical Chalk Pencils are also now available again.

Till next week.

- Ky

New Fabric and Haberdashery in Store - 10 November

This week we have a heap of new Kokka fabrics including some from the Echino ni-co and Decoro collections. We have also added a new colour of Echino Bag Webbing and the latest design from Cake Patterns, the Espresso Leggings. 

Top Row

Echino Bag Tape 45mm Mustard

Kinder Print Black by Kokka

25cm Cylinder/Drum Lampshade Making Kit

Echino Decoro Rhino Black by Kokka

Middle Row

Echino Decoro Twin Teal by Kokka

Espresso Leggings RiFF Pattern by Cake Patterns

Echino Decoro Rhino Teal by Kokka

Echino Decoro Twin Pink by Kokka

Bottom Row

Echino Ni-co Scooter_b Natural by Kokka

Echino Decoro Rhino Purple by Kokka

Bohin Mechanical Chalk Pencil with Refills

Car Travels Sky Blue by Kokka

Till next week, Happy Sewing

- Ky

Brisbane Craft and Quilt Show 2013 Wrap Up

Even though it has been more than a week since the Brisbane Quilt and Craft Show finished for 2013 I thought it was still soon enough to do a quick photo essay for everyone who couldn't make it.

We packed as much fabric, patterns and bag hardware as possible into our little 2 x 4m space.

Across the aisle from our stand we had a space where Steph from Cake Patterns demoed sewing her patterns with knit fabrics for the 5 days of the show.

She made up a cute little 1" Yellow Striped Cabarita Top (beautifully modelled here by Cloud) and a 1"Red Striped Tiramisu Dress, both using our high quality Riley Blake Cotton Jersey Knit fabrics. You can read about Steph's Tiramisu dress here.

We don't get much of a chance to look around during the show but we couldn't go past these amazing quilts by Judy Coates Perez without stopping for a look each day.

I thought this underwater scene was incredible, just check out the detail on the squid. Cloud's favourite was the bunny :)

For the last two years we have been sponsoring prizes for the Queensland Quilters Quilt Show which is displayed at the Craft and Quilt Fair every October. This year we were the sponsors for first prize for the Primary and Secondary Categories.

What takes an entire day to set up is pulled down and packed up in less than 2 hours. Then it is back to the showroom to unpack, stocktake, restock and setup the showroom. Whew, no wonder we are a bit tired for the week afterwards.

An exhausting week but well worth it, it is always great to meet with all of our old customers and well as new ones discovering us for the first time.

- Ky and Cloud

The Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair Starts Today !!

Whew, we have managed to get our stand setup and ready to go for the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair which starts today, October 16 and runs until Sunday October. It is amazing how much preparation goes into preparing for one of these shows which is why we are only doing the local ones in Brisbane for now. 

Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair 2013

When: Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th October

Time: 9am - 5pm daily

Where: Stand H14, Brisbane Exhibition Centre Halls 3 & 4, Cnr Glenelg & Merivale Streets, Southbank.

Please note that our East Brisbane showroom will be closed during this event and will reopen on Tuesday 22nd October.

Here are few quick snaps I took of the stand before we left last night.

Front View of our stand

You Sew Girl bag samples

Lots of yummy bolts of fabric

Directly across from us at H15 we have a demonstration space where you can watch StephC from Cake Patterns give short hourly talks about sewing with knit fabrics. Steph will also be available between demonstration times to answer any question you may have about dressmaking, knit sewing or Cake Patterns. You will also be able to purchase Cake Patterns and Riley Blake Cotton Jersey Knits from us during the Fair. 

Click image to enlarge

We hope to see you at the fair,

- Ky and Cloud

Hummingbird Top and Skirt Sewing Workshop with Cake Pattern's Designer StephC

 

Sew a Hummingbird skirt and top with the pattern designer!!

Join StephC, creator of indie label Cake Patterns, to sharpen your garment sewing skills with the Hummingbird Top and Skirt. This is a great opportunity to learn firsthand about Cake Patterns unique sizing system which allows you to create a customised fit based on your own measurements.

Cake Patterns focus is on fun, re-make-able basics for busy women - always with pockets!

Class Details

When: This course with consist of 4 lessons x 4 weeks (12hr total) starting Tuesday July 30

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Cost: $190The cost of the class includes a copy of the pattern but if you already own the pattern there is an option to deduct the cost of the pattern from the class price.

Sign up to the class here.

Hummingbird Woven Skirt

The Hummingbird woven skirt has no-gape panel pockets, back zipper and simple slim, straight waistband (~1" below natural waist). Skirt is suitable for a wide range of woven fabrics - Orange View skirt is shorter and simpler, a workhorse wardrobe staple in twills, canvases or denim. Pink View Skirt is a little fancier with a tail feather flounce and is suitable for non-bulky bottom weight fabrics with some drape.

Sneaky cute fabric inside skirt pockets

Hummingbird Peplum TopThe Hummingbird knit top features a horseshoe neckline, cap or elbow length sleeves and a seamless four-leaf-clover-shaped peplum. (You can also choose to remove the peplum and make a regular tee with the Hummingbird neckline.) The top is suited to a wide range of jersey fabrics with moderate stretch.

Hummingbird view pink skirt with green view top

The Hummingbird Separates have been a hit in the online sewing world, with over 100 participants in Steph's online Hummingbird Sew along class. You'll benefit from her skill and expertise while you learn:

• knit fabric basics
• binding necklines smoothly
• all about ease and proportioning
• invisible zipper insertion
• hemming knits and wovens for a smooth, professional finish
• understitching, seam finishes, and alternate zipper treatments
• guidance for fitting and design ideas- it's all about you and your sewing!

Check out the Hummingbird Community page on Flickr to see more Hummingbird skirts and tops in action. 

- Ky 

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 3

I did manage to finish my Hummingbird skirt last week, I've just been a little bit lax with telling the world about it :P

So after my last post I spent the day looking at the skirt and finally decided that it needed contrast topstitching. I unpicked the front seams just enough so that I could go back and topstitch the pocket and then the front seams. This is why it takes me so long to sew anything. I tend to make and unmake it at least once.

After inserting the invisible zipper in the back seam it was time to baste up the side seams and do a fitting. At this point I realised that you shouldn't trace off a pattern using your measurements from memory. I'm actually an inch smaller around my waist and 1/2 inch smaller around my hips than I thought. I still would have had to trace off the 40" pattern but I would have taken the back waist and dart in to a 29" waist instead of the 30" that I used. 

Luckily this pattern seems to be quite forgiving for large adjustments on the side seams. I think I took in the waist at least 2cm on each side and the hips 1.5cm. Once the fit was sorted I pressed the side seams towards the back of the skirt and topstitched in contrast thread.

The back has an invisible zipper and I chose a metal press stud for the waistband closure to keep in with the denim theme.

The hem length before I took it up sat around my knees and made me look very frumpy. I folded it up 10cm but it looked way too slutty. This is a 5cm hem which is just right :)

Overall I'm quite pleased with how this skirt turned out, it didn't take too long and required very little fitting.

Previous posts on this skirt can be found here:

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 1

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 2

-Ky

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 2

I managed to get in an hour of sewing this morning before work and have completed the front of the Hummingbird skirt. It would have taken less time except for a little mishap where I didn't read the pattern properly and attached the pocket bags to the upper side front the wrong way around. I didn't realise until I had sewn, overlocked and under-stitched both sides, doh.

I'd guess that I wasted 15-20mins with my little reverse sewing endeavour, but these things happen when you are trying to sew within 1/2hr of waking up :)

So far I think that the skirt is coming along nicely, and I am quite happy with the finish. Some top-stitching in a contrasting thread might have been a nice touch but I don't really have the time for added detail on this version.

Pocket bags and side fronts attached.

Sneak peek of the inside of the pockets from the outside.

Hopefully tonight or tomorrow morning I will be able to get the back zipper in then we're on the homeward stretch. 

Other posts on this skirt can be found here:

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 1

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 3

- Ky

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 1

This week I am attempting to join in on the sewingcake.com Hummingbird skirt 30min a day sew along.

First up I would like to say how impressed I am with the presentation of the pattern itself. The printing is extremely professional and I like the slightly thicker paper that Cake patterns are now being printed on.

I have a 6oz denim that I am going to use to make the skirt and the pocket bags will be made out of Lupe by Alexander Henry. I really like how well to two fabrics go together.

I have traced my pattern onto a product called Trace n Toile. My hips are 100cm and my waist is 74cm so I am using the 40" hip sizing with a 30" waist. I always find myself getting quite excited about starting a new Cake pattern, the sizing method is quite unique and it almost feels like you are drafting up a custom pattern. Very different to one of the big pattern company patterns which you know are going require a lot of fitting if you aren't a stock size.

Hopefully by tomorrow I will have some sewing completed to show you all :0)

Other posts on this skirt can be found here:

Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 2
Hummingbird Skirt Sew Along - Part 3

- Kylie