Experiments in jersey No. 2: The Mod Bandeau Top (Simplicity 1613)

Following on from my first experiment in jersey, I've been busy again, with potentially my favourite ever make! This time the fabric has come from Spoonflower - their Modern Jersey... Yes it's expensive, but it has four way stretch! And doesn't need overlocking!

The pattern is Simplicity 1613 (I made E), and was very straightforward. I can imagine I'll try it again at some point, perhaps making up the versions on the right (A, B, C).

I just love this fabric design, the colours and style feel a bit like Orla Kiely... Spoonflower is such a brilliant resource! Hopefully it works with the pattern too...
It's hard to see the ruched detailing in the front centre there, but I'm pretty happy with it - all lines up pretty well...

... Unlike the side seams! I'm going to keep trying pattern matching, hopefully it'll improve one day! Or I'll find a course to help me to learn :)

As ever I ordered the minimum amount of fabric, and then regretted it (how many times must I learn this lesson?) Anyway, it explains this weird square of white at the back...

Overall I'm pretty happy with it, a good learning experience, and I love the outcome - will be perfect for summer days and avoiding strap marks! Next time though I will buy enough fabric!!

Colette Laurel Number 1

So here it is, my first Laurel and my first make using Spoonflower fabric! The fabric was bought months ago but I couldn't find the right pattern, finally, along came Laurel, and it was a perfect match!

Spoonflower is a site with millions of fabric designs, where you can choose a pattern designed by someone else, or upload your own, and then get it printed onto material of your choice (or even wallpaper!). This was my first of many purchases from them I think - Dustbunnies, by meduzy, printed onto a cotton voile. The fabric got a little damaged by my not having stored it properly after washing - whoops! But I think it's added to the style, looking a bit more rustic ;)

Laurel is the newest pattern by Colette, and thousands of versions have already been made after a competition - you can find more inspiration here.

While mine's a simple version, I'm still delighted with it... The only question I have is... How old is too old for bunnies on your clothes?????

And while we're at it, some classic tips for storing fabric, from a new book of mine, 'Make do and mend' (Foreword by Jill Norman)

(Laurel number 2 has been made and will be uploaded soon!)